Updated

Updated · CBS New York · Aug 15

Ontario Tower Buzzers Honor Bald Eagle Jackie on Aug. 23, Donating 50% of Ticket Proceeds

Updated

Updated · CBS New York · Aug 15

Ontario Tower Buzzers Honor Bald Eagle Jackie on Aug. 23, Donating 50% of Ticket Proceeds

Q: What mysterious underlying illness truly caused the tragic death of Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie?

The true underlying illness that killed Jackie has not been definitively identified. Wildlife officials and veterinarians said Jackie arrived already critically ill, underweight and unable to fly, and that the clash with the younger eagles did not explain her condition. During treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center, tests found severe regenerative anemia, kidney inflammation, blood clots in her wing and one kidney, liver and lung abnormalities, and an inadequate bone marrow response. Specialists also ran extensive diagnostics, including CT imaging, a bone marrow biopsy and heavy-metal testing. Reports indicate they ruled out some suspected causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and visible metal ingestion. She was also treated for possible rodenticide toxicity, but caregivers said that was not believed to be the primary cause. In short, the medical evidence shows Jackie died from a complex systemic illness marked by severe anemia and multiple organ complications, but veterinarians did not find one confirmed root cause before her death. A necropsy by the San Diego Wildlife Alliance was expected to provide more answers, but based on the information released so far, the exact disease or trigger remains unresolved.

Q: Will Jackie’s long-time mate Shadow abandon their famous nest, or will a new eagle take her place?

No one can say for certain yet, but the most likely outcome is that Shadow will not permanently abandon the Big Bear nest and may eventually use it with a new mate. Wildlife experts and Friends of Big Bear Valley say the nest’s future remains uncertain because bald eagle behavior after a mate’s death varies. Shadow has still been seen in the territory, and conservation groups have said he may stay, leave for periods of time, or eventually pair with another eagle. That uncertainty is normal outside the breeding season. There is already evidence that a new eagle could enter the picture. After Jackie’s death, observers reported Shadow returning to the nest with a younger eagle identified as “KD1.” Friends of Big Bear Valley said KD1 appears larger than Shadow, which could indicate a female, though that has not been confirmed. KD1 had also visited the nest shortly after Jackie’s death. Experts say this would not be unusual. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has noted that when one eagle dies, the surviving bird may find a new mate relatively quickly, and surviving eagles often continue using the same nest with a new partner. So the short answer is that Shadow is not known to have abandoned the nest, and a replacement mate is a real possibility. But whether KD1 or another eagle becomes Jackie's successor will only become clearer as the next nesting season approaches in late fall and winter.

2 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 15

Aug. 23 will bring “Fly High, Jackie Night” as the Ontario Tower Buzzers partner with Friends of Big Bear Valley to honor the bald eagle that died on Aug. 9.
50% of proceeds from tickets bought through the team’s event link will go to Friends of Big Bear Valley, tying the tribute to the conservation group behind Jackie and Shadow’s widely watched livestream.
Jackie became a Southern California icon after millions watched her raise eaglets with Shadow at Big Bear Lake, helping draw global attention to local eagle conservation.
Three weeks of intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center followed Jackie’s illness after an encounter with two subadult eagles; she was believed to be about 14.

Sources

CBS New York5d ago

Ontario Tower Buzzers to Honor Big Bear Bald Eagle Jackie with "Fly High" Event

KTLA Los Angeles5d ago

Southern California baseball team to honor Jackie the bald eagle | KTLA

What mysterious underlying illness truly caused the tragic death of Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie?

Will Jackie’s long-time mate Shadow abandon their famous nest, or will a new eagle take her place?

How did AI-generated misinformation complicate the desperate final efforts to save Southern California’s famous eagle?

Sources

2 total

CBS New York5d ago

Ontario Tower Buzzers to Honor Big Bear Bald Eagle Jackie with "Fly High" Event

KTLA Los Angeles5d ago

Southern California baseball team to honor Jackie the bald eagle | KTLA

Ontario Tower Buzzers Honor Bald Eagle Jackie on Aug. 23, Donating 50% of Ticket Proceeds

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