Jackie Eagle died on Aug. 10 while receiving treatment for an undiagnosed illness. She was 14 years old. Her remains were then transferred for necropsy and sent through the handling process required for bald eagle remains.
Ojai Raptor Center said veterinarians did not identify one definitive cause for her poor condition. They found severe regenerative anemia, thrombosis in both her wing and one kidney, liver abnormalities, lung abnormalities and inadequate bone marrow response.
Jackie and Shadow
Jackie and her partner, Shadow, were followed by fans through Friends of Big Bear Valley's live-stream nest camera. The pair drew a large online audience, and the loss now leaves that group waiting for the necropsy findings that may explain what happened after Jackie’s decline began.
On July 17, Jackie was seen in an altercation with two subadult eagles. After July 17, she was spotted on the ground near Dana Point Park and rescued, then taken to Ojai Raptor Center, about 170 miles from Big Bear Valley. Ojai Raptor Center said her health continued to decline before she passed away naturally in the early morning hours of Aug. 10.
California Department of Fish & Wildlife
After her death, Jackie's remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for a necropsy conducted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. After the necropsy, the remains were handed to the National Eagle Repository as required by federal law. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said deceased bald and golden eagles must go there, and that the repository evaluates and prepares eagle remains and feathers for distribution to eligible enrolled members of federally recognized tribes for religious and cultural purposes.
Friends of Big Bear Valley said it does not have any input on how Jackie's remains are handled. The group also told fans, "Along with all of you, our FOBBV is heartbroken over Jackie's passing. Thank you for your patience while the team takes a step back allowing them time to grieve this loss."
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife said the necropsy results will be available in a few weeks, which is the next step that could show whether the findings point to one cause or several contributing problems. Until then, Jackie’s death stands as both a loss for the Big Bear Valley audience and a case already moving through federal handling rules that begin after an eagle dies.
