Bald eagle Jackie dies after more than 3 weeks of intensive care at Ojai Raptor Center

Jackie, the bald eagle whose Big Bear Lake nest in Southern California made her an internet celebrity, died in the early hours of August 10 at the Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) in California, the wildlife rehabilitation center announced. She had been under intensive veterinary care for more than 3 weeks after being rescued in July.

Jackie and her mate, Shadow, drew a global following after a livestream launched in 2015 showing their nest.² Her declining health in recent weeks drew concern from millions worldwide as the center posted regular updates on her treatment.

"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 center wrote in an August 10 Instagram post announcing the death.¹ "Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists."

Jackie, also known as bald eagle patient 26-519, was rescued July 17 after being found grounded following an altercation with two subadult bald eagles near Big Bear Lake.³ Kathryn Rasp, DVM, MA, ORC staff veterinarian, performed the intake examination on July 18. A full medical assessment showed the eagle was underweight and lethargic, but without obvious signs of physical trauma, according to the center.

Initial bloodwork indicated severe anemia and kidney inflammation. On July 21, Rasp performed a blood transfusion, made possible by Spirit, the resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield, California. Jackie received another life-saving transfusion later in July as the center described her condition as critical.

The center worked with its scientific advisory council, consulting specialists, and wildlife experts internationally to determine the cause of her anemia. Testing ruled out several potential causes, including lead toxicosis and foreign objects such as fishing hooks. Jackie underwent advanced diagnostics that included a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy.

Her packed cell volume (PCV), a measure of red blood cells, fluctuated throughout her care before dropping sharply in her final days, falling below 6% on August 8, according to an earlier Instagram post, describing her condition as "extremely serious."⁴

In its August 10 announcement, the ORC said each decision throughout her care was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and the center's responsibility to act in her best interest. Her remains have been transferred to the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

"Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her," the center wrote in the same post, adding that it is working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and CDFW and will provide a more comprehensive statement with additional information on her treatments and test results.

"We are deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife," ORC added.¹

References

1. Ojai Raptor Center [@ojairaptorcenter]. Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519. Instagram. August 10, 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3w88dj0_G/
2. Veterinary team provides 'around-the-clock care' to rescued bald eagle Jackie amid further testing. American Veterinary Medical Association. August 6, 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.avma.org/news/veterinary-team-provides-around-clock-care-rescued-bald-eagle-jackie-amid-further-testing
3. Update: Center announces bald eagle Jackie has died after 'difficult' 24 hours. American Veterinary Medical Association. August 6, 2026. Updated August 10, 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.avma.org/news/update-center-announces-bald-eagle-jackie-has-died-after-difficult-24-hours
4. Ojai Raptor Center [@ojairaptorcenter]. The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult. Instagram. August 9, 2026. Accessed August 11, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/p/Db1WqZek3LL/