Injured bald eagle presumed to be Jackie has died: Wildlife rescue
An injured bald eagle presumed to be Jackie, one half of California's famous Big Bear Valley nest cam duo, has died nearly one month after she sustained an injury in a fight with other birds, the Ojai Raptor Center announced Monday.
"It is with profound sadness that we share that Patient 26-519 passed away in the early hours of this morning, following more than three weeks of intensive medical care," the nonprofit wildlife rescue wrote in a Facebook post, adding that the center's staff "is heartbroken."
"Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists," the center continued. "She remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in our intensive care unit."
The center said that throughout the eagle's time there, "every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest."
"We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her," it added.
The bald eagle, officially known as Patient 26-519, is likely Jackie, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley -- the environmental advocacy and education nonprofit that operates the Big Bear eagle nest cams and livestreams -- which previously said it had reviewed photos and videos of the injured bird.
Friends of Big Bear Valley first shared in a July 19 Facebook post that the Los Angeles County San Dimas Raptor Rescue had picked up and transferred "an adult bald eagle" that had been "seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles."
"This eagle is in the best place it can be, it is being cared for, and we are sending positive thoughts along," the group wrote at the time.
ABC News has reached out to Friends of Big Bear Valley for comment.
Jackie had been receiving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center since mid July.
On Sunday, the Ojai Raptor Center said the bald eagle was "critically ill" and in unstable condition.
"...Her overall condition remains extremely serious," the center wrote in part at the time, in the caption of a Facebook post. "Her care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, together with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife."
Jackie, together with her partner Shadow, captured the hearts of millions around the world as the stars of livestream nest cameras managed by Friends of Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California.
The two gained viral attention in recent years after welcoming three chicks in 2025, one of which died in a winter storm. The eagle pair welcomed two more chicks earlier this year.
The Ojai Raptor Center said Monday that Jackie's remains have been transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and shared gratitude for the widespread outpouring of interest and care shown by Jackie's many fans and followers.
"We ask for patience and kindness as our staff process this loss," the center wrote. "We are working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and will provide a more comprehensive statement including additional information on her treatments and test results."
It added, "To everyone who cared about Patient 26-519, thank you. Thank you for your messages, your prayers, your encouragement, and for standing beside our team throughout these past weeks. We are deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife."
