Beloved livestream eagle Jackie dies at 14 after mystery illness battle
The Big Bear Lake bald eagle, watched by millions raising eaglets with mate Shadow, succumbed to severe anemia and an undiagnosed condition.

The world’s most famous bald eagle, Jackie, has died at the age of 14 after a three-week fight with a mysterious illness and severe anemia. She was pronounced dead on August 10, 2026, at the Ojai Raptor Center in California.
Jackie had been under intensive care since July 17, 2026, when she was rescued by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team. She was found weak and unable to fly following a scuffle with two younger eagles. Despite extensive medical tests—including a CT scan and bone marrow biopsy—experts could not determine the cause of her illness. Her packed cell volume had dropped dangerously low, indicating severe anemia.
Her remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further examination.
Jackie rose to global fame through a livestream camera operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which has broadcast her nest since October 2015. Millions of viewers followed her life with mate Shadow, watching as they raised multiple eaglets, including Simba, Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo, Luna, and Sandy. The eaglets Luna and Sandy were named by students at Big Bear Elementary School, with Sandy honoring the late executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, Sandy Steers.
In a statement, the Ojai Raptor Center expressed heartbreak over her loss, calling it “an extraordinary privilege” to care for her. The center plans to release a more detailed report on her condition and treatment in the coming weeks.
Jackie’s legacy includes a $10 million land conservation effort launched by Friends of Big Bear Valley to protect 63 acres near her nest from development. The campaign was backed by OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna.
A life in the spotlight Jackie’s story captivated audiences worldwide. The livestream, initially featuring her parents Ricky and Lucy, became a pandemic-era sensation as viewers tuned in to watch her defend her nest, bond with Shadow, and raise their young. In 2018, she famously fended off an intruder dubbed “Mr B” before Shadow joined her as her lifelong mate.
What happens next The Ojai Raptor Center is consulting with state and federal wildlife agencies to determine the cause of Jackie’s death. Her remains will undergo further analysis, with results expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, the livestream continues, offering a glimpse into the life of her mate, Shadow, and the future of their nest.





