To honor Jackie the bald eagle, Ojai Raptor Center fills a room with cards, drawings and tributes
A room shaped by public support
Ojai Raptor Center staff received thousands of letters, drawings, cards and well-wishes from people around the world after caring for Jackie. The center has gathered the messages in a room for staff to read and reflect.
The center said it wanted to share the space with the people who helped create it. It also expressed hope that the compassion shown for Jackie would continue to support wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Jackie’s life in Big Bear Valley
Jackie was born in Big Bear Valley in 2012 to eagle parents Ricky and Lucy. Before the 2011–2012 nesting season, no bald eagle chicks were known to have hatched there.
She took over a nest monitored by Friends of Big Bear Valley during the 2016–2017 nesting season. Jackie later raised chicks with Mr. B and, after he left, with her long-time partner Shadow; wildlife cameras showed viewers their life together.
Injury and treatment in California
On July 17, Jackie was found injured near Dana Point Park. A witness’s cell phone video showed an altercation with two subadult eagles; Jackie fended them off with her talons but could not fly far.
She was transferred to Ojai Raptor Center and diagnosed with severe anemia. Her condition worsened in the first week of August, and the center reported she was unstable on August 9. Jackie died early the next morning.
A lasting tribute to Jackie
A necropsy found severe, chronic stomach inflammation and ulceration, persistent internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis. The center also diagnosed highly pathogenic avian influenza, which it identified as the cause of the severe stomach ulceration.
Friends of Big Bear Valley thanked the center’s staff, medical team, volunteers and people who sent cards. A memorial service took place in Fawnskin on September 5, followed by a celebration of life, Wings Over Big Bear, on October 3.
Key points
- Ojai Raptor Center assembled thousands of messages for Jackie in a room for staff to visit.
- Jackie was born in Big Bear Valley in 2012 and became widely followed through nest cameras.
- She died on August 10 after treatment for severe anemia and other serious conditions.
- Memorial events were held in Fawnskin on September 5 and October 3.