Jackie was found grounded on July 17 and taken into care. She has some symptoms, and tests are being ran to figure out what’s wrong. Video from the day of her rescue shows her flying and then being captured and taken to a facility for treatment.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif.– A bald eagle found unable to fly and acting unusually near the Big Bear Valley eagle nesting site is believed to be Jackie, the eagle matriarch followed by millions of people on social media.
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) have posted clips of Jackie and her eagle partner Shadow on social media for several years in a row, providing people with updates from their popular live eagle nest cam.
On Friday, July 17, Friends of Big Bear Valley was notified of an adult bald eagle on the ground near Dana Point Park. The eagle was seen the day before on the ground, too, sparking concern.
Jackie swimming before being rescued.
(County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation / FOX Weather)
Later that day, the eagle got into a fight with two other bald eagles, and was only able to defend itself with its talons, and couldn’t fly far.
They believed the eagle was Jackie, after not seeing her for several days on their cameras, but weren’t sure at first. Eventually, the nonprofit said the eagle is more than likely Jackie.
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FOBBV said that visitors and locals alike stayed near the eagle to keep an eye on it and make sure it was safe while they awaited for the eagle to be rescued.
Jackie standing on a boat near Dana Point Park before being rescued.
(County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation / FOX Weather)
It took several hours and several attempts to get an agency to respond to the situation, but eventually San Dimas Raptor Rescue, of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, responded and took the eagle into care.
Jackie was rescued at about 2 a.m. by the raptor team and then transferred to a new care facility.
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FOBBV didn’t post on social media about the situation until Sunday, alerting the public to the situation and providing additional daily updates on Jackie’s condition.
Jackie remains in care with The Ojai Raptor Center, who is trying to determine what’s wrong with her.
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She’s underweight, anemic and has inflamed kidneys, FOBBV said, but X-rays showed no fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects affecting her.
Veterinarians at Ojai Raptor Center providing care to Jackie.
(The Ojai Raptor Center/Facebook / FOX Weather)
The center is testing Jackie’s lead, zinc and rodenticide levels and working with several specialty veterinarians to help figure out what’s going on.
“Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case,” Ojai Raptor Center said in an update on Jackie’s condition Tuesday.
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Jackie is still feisty and had more energy as of the most recent update on Tuesday. She’s eating and perching and able to stand up without problem, FOBBV said.
Jackie the bald eagle in care at Ojai Raptor Center
(The Ojai Raptor Center/Facebook / FOX Weather)
“We will keep updating you the minute we hear any new information. Thank you for your support, well wishes to Jackie and the entire eagle family,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said.
Jackie and Shadow hatched two eaglets this spring, named Sandy and Luna, and hatched on April 4 and 5, respectively, from Jackie’s second clutch of eggs this season.
Jackie and Shadow feeding Sandy and Luna and watching over the nest on May 1, 2026.
(Friends of Big Bear Valley / FOX Weather)
The pair will eventually flee the nest for good as they get older.
To follow along with the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagles, visit the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest Cam and check them out on Facebook for daily updates on Jackie and the other eagles.
