Jackie, arguably the world's most famous bald eagle, dies

After weeks of illness that veterinarians never fully explained, Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie died Monday morning at an Ojai rehabilitation center. She was 14.

Jackie and her mate Shadow drew millions of viewers to a nonstop livestream of their nest in a Jeffrey pine above Big Bear Lake. Since pairing in 2018, they weathered winter storms, incubated eggs and raised numerous chicks on camera.

In mid-July, Jackie was found grounded on the lake's north shore after a scuffle with two younger eagles. The Ojai Raptor Center's executive director, Chris Eksteen, said the fight likely left her unable to fly but did not cause her symptoms, noting she appeared to have been unwell for some time. Tests found severe anemia, prompting a transfusion from another eagle. A contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy failed to identify the underlying cause.

Her condition swung repeatedly. She left intensive care about a week and a half in, but by August 3 her packed cell volume had dropped to 13%, and she deteriorated despite oxygen therapy and constant monitoring.

Her remains went to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Shadow, 12, may find a new mate or leave the valley.