Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from California’s Big Bear Lake, died on Monday, August 10, 2026, after battling a mysterious illness. She was 14 years old and had been a livestream star, with millions of viewers following her journey as she birthed and raised chicks.

Jackie had been receiving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center since mid-July 2026, after being found weak and unable to fly following a scuffle with two younger eagles. Experts at the center diagnosed her with severe anemia and suspected she had been ill for weeks before the incident.

Despite extensive testing, including a CT scan and bone marrow biopsy, the cause of Jackie’s illness remained undetermined. The Ojai Raptor Center is consulting with the US and California fish and wildlife services and plans to release a more detailed statement about her treatments and test results in the future.

The raptor center staff expressed their sorrow in an Instagram post, stating, “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. Our team is heartbroken.”

Jackie’s nest had been livestreamed since October 2015, initially featuring her parents, Ricky and Lucy. Viewers witnessed many significant moments, including Jackie defending her nest against an intruder in 2018 and watching her raise several clutches of hatchlings during the pandemic. One of the hatchlings was named after Sandy Steers, the late executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who recently died from cancer.

Thousands of fans and wildlife enthusiasts mourn Jackie’s passing, reflecting on her impact as a symbol of nature and resilience.

Sources

Guardian US: Jackie, a beloved bald eagle and livestream star, dies of mysterious illness