Big Bear’s Celebrity Eagle Jackie Dies from Bird Flu

Jackie, the famous bald eagle who captivated millions through a livestream with her mate Shadow at Big Bear Lake, has passed away. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed her death was due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Initial inspections showed rat poison in Jackie’s system. However, experts do not believe this was the primary cause of her illness or demise. Jackie suffered from multiple diseases, according to official reports.

In July, Jackie was found weak and disheveled along the shore of Big Bear Lake. She received treatment in Ojai, where tests revealed anemia. A blood transfusion from another eagle was administered, but scans and biopsies could not determine the cause of her illness. She passed away on August 10 while under the care of the Ojai Raptor Center.

A necropsy performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance concluded bird flu was the primary cause of her decline. The infection resulted in a severe stomach ulcer. Additionally, Jackie showed signs of chronic disease involving the ventriculus, or gizzard, which led to blood loss, anemia, and a secondary bacterial infection.

Toxicology screens revealed brodifacoum — a type of rat poison — in her liver, alongside other persistent environmental contaminants. Despite the presence of brodifacoum, it was not identified as the main cause of her illness. Experts investigated and ruled out factors like West Nile virus and heavy metals.

Chris Eksteen, executive director of the Ojai Raptor Center, noted the necropsy results helped clarify observations during Jackie’s hospitalization. Her remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository to prevent the spread of bird flu.

Some fans contested the decision to send Jackie’s remains to the repository, which provides eagle parts for religious use by federally recognized Native American tribes. They argued for special treatment such as taxidermy preservation, but the repository process was followed.

Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains at Big Bear and appears to be healthy. Following Jackie’s death, Shadow has been observed with a different female.