California wildlife officials detail causes of bald eagle Jackie's death and disposition of her remains

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said the bald eagle known as Jackie died overnight on Aug. 9 while receiving intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center, where she had been treated for more than three weeks. Veterinary teams identified several additional problems beyond her previously diagnosed anemia and kidney inflammation, including a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, abnormalities in her liver and lungs, and an inadequate bone-marrow response. The raptor center reported that after 23 days of treatment Jackie could no longer retain food, leading to a sharp decline in her packed cell volume.

During her stay, Jackie underwent a contrast CT scan, bone-marrow biopsy and specialized testing for heavy metals, with specialists nationwide consulted to interpret the results. A necropsy will be performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Wildlife Alliance.

Under federal law, Jackie’s remains will be transferred to the National Eagle Repository in Colorado, a facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that stores and distributes eagle parts to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes for religious and cultural purposes. The CDFW noted that the repository also supports educational programs on eagle conservation.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the nest-camera that made Jackie well known, said it has no role in deciding how the remains are handled. The organization noted that other eagles are currently visiting the area and that it is uncertain whether Jackie’s mate, Shadow, will remain in the territory.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement expressing sympathy for the loss and emphasizing the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. Local schools and community members have created tribute cards and shared memories of the eagle, reflecting her impact on public interest in conservation.