Online followers mourn Jackie, bald eagle whose death was linked to bird flu
A familiar nest companion
For more than a decade, viewers watched Jackie and her partner, Shadow, care for their nest near Big Bear Lake. The nest camera was installed in 2015 by Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit that recorded the outcomes of each breeding season.
The nest is in the San Bernardino Mountains, east of Los Angeles. Jackie became an internet sensation and a symbol of the bald eagle’s recovery.
Care and cause of death
In the weeks before she died, Jackie received care at the Ojai Raptor Center for several ailments, including anemia. A necropsy found that bird flu caused her death, wildlife officials said. Center director Chris Eksteen said the results “have helped connect many of the findings” observed during Jackie’s hospitalization.
Virus and precautions
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating among bird populations across the United States. The news release said there was no evidence that Shadow was ill. Jackie’s remains were cremated to prevent the virus from spreading, according to the release.
Key points
- Jackie, a bald eagle watched online for more than a decade, died of bird flu.
- She had been receiving care at the Ojai Raptor Center, including for anemia.
- Viewers followed Jackie and Shadow at their nest near Big Bear Lake.
- Officials reported no evidence that Shadow was ill.