Jackie, the iconic bald eagle from Big Bear Valley in California, fought an intense battle against illnesses in the days before her death on August 10, Monday.
In a press release on Tuesday, August 11, the Ojai Raptor Center and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) provided heartbreaking details of Jackie's final moments in treatment. It included an emergency blood transfusion from another legendary bald eagle: Spirit of California Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield.
The death of Jackie has left millions aggrieved. The bald eagle became a favorite of millions across the world after the former 24-hour livestream showing her relationship with mate Shadow. The stream was broadcast by Friends of Big Bear Valley - a local environmental advocacy group.
Jackie was found grounded in the Big Bear Valley on July 18 and was brought to the Ojai Raptor Center. She was found "dehydrated and suffering from severe anemia, low blood protein, and kidney and lung abnormalities," CDFW said in its August 11 press release. What followed was an intense struggle against odds before Jackie succumbed to his illness ad died.
CDFW stated in its press release that they soon started treatment for Jackie with "fluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support and intensive, round-the-clock monitoring." But her condition did not improve, and Spirit the bald Eagle was brought in for a blood transfusion.
"Veterinary specialists hoped the transfusion would stabilize her anemia, and while she initially showed temporary improvement, her packed cell volume declined again by August 3," the update read. "Advanced diagnostic testing showed thrombosis in her wing and near one kidney." Starting August 3, her condition started deteriorating rapidly.
Among the challenges he faced were "a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, as well as another decline in her blood values."
Tests including "a contrast CT scan, bone marrow biopsy and specialized testing for heavy metals" were performed, and veterinarians from around the country assisted the center with the treatment. "Despite intensive treatment, her prognosis became increasingly poor," CDFW said, adding that the bird passed away in the early hours of August 10.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife added that the remains of the iconic bald eagle will be preserved at the National Eagle Repository at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge off Denver, Colorado. A necropsy of the owl was performed by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More
