Like the death of a movie legend or national hero, tributes continue to pour in for Jackie, the celebrity bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, who died this month.
The popular mate of Shadow, and recent mama to eaglets Sandy and Luna, Jackie died on Aug. 9, 2026, despite life-saving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County.
Jackie and her family drew fans from around the world via the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s 24/7 nest cam, which livestreamed activity from the nest located in Fawnskin in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California.
For years, fans would watch the eagle couple return to the nest, mate, lay and lose eggs. They also witnessed eggs hatching, eaglets dying, maturing and flying off.
Over time, fans affectionately called Jackie “Queen,” “Mama Eagle” and the “Royal Eagle.”
First at the scene
San Bernardino County Fire officials, who were first to respond to the ailing Jackie said they were saddened to learn of the death of the “beloved bald eagle who captured the hearts of so many.”
“Our firefighters were honored to play a small part in helping Jackie receive veterinary care after she was found injured,” county fire officials said. “While we had all hoped for a different outcome, it was inspiring to see our community and people around the world come together with such compassion and concern for her well-being.”
Fire officials said that, as our national symbol, the bald eagle represents strength, freedom and patriotism.
“Jackie’s story was a meaningful reminder of that spirit and of the connection we share with our local wildlife,” fire officials said. “We are grateful to everyone who cared for Jackie, followed her journey and came together in support of her.”
Fire officials and other agencies also thanked the following organizations for their dedicated efforts, compassion and care for Jackie throughout this difficult journey. Those groups included:
Jackie’s legacy
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation said they were also saddened by the news that Jackie, “who captured the hearts of millions,” had died.
“Jackie taught us so much about the beauty and resilience of bald eagles, the importance of protecting wildlife, and the special connections we can build with the natural world,” LA County officials stated.
They added that Jackie’s legacy will live on through the countless people who watched, learned, cared and were inspired to protect these magnificent birds.
“Our own San Dimas Raptor Rescue team was honored to play a part in Jackie’s journey, responding to her rescue and helping ensure she was safely transferred for specialized care,” the county stated.
They said Jackie touched lives far beyond Big Bear Valley and that her legacy will continue to inspire conservation, education and a deeper appreciation for the wildlife we are so fortunate to share our world with – and continue to inspire the conservation, rehabilitation and rescue work of their own park and raptor rescue departments.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel said millions of people who will never set foot near Big Bear have watched, for years, as Jackie and her mate raised eaglets, lost eggs, survived extreme weather, fought for their nest — and, most recently, as the eagle fought for her own life.
“Sharing her story inspired deep care in people and a broader understanding of why conservation matters,” Hertel said. “While this eagle’s story has ended, the inspiration and the lessons she gave so many people won’t be forgotten. Our hope is that they inspire greater efforts to protect the wild places eagles and other species need to live out their lives.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Southwest Region officials also shared their sadness over Jackie’s passing.
Paul Souza, regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Southwest Region, said Jackie’s story captured the attention of people across the country and helped foster a deeper connection with wildlife.
“The public’s connection to this eagle is a powerful reminder of why the conservation of bald eagles matters,” Souza said. “We are grateful to our dedicated partners at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Ojai Valley Raptor Center for the compassion and expertise they provided throughout the eagle’s care.”
Elected officials pay tribute to Jackie
Following the death of Jackie, Sen. Tony Strickland said he intends to introduce a Senate Resolution to commemorate Jackie and acknowledge her impact on a community and the place she held in the hearts of the people who watched her journey.
“She was more than a bald eagle that people happened to watch,” Strickland said. “Over the years, her life became a story that people followed, cared about and felt connected to.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “California mourns Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle who reminded us of the beauty and wonder of California’s wildlife, and our shared responsibility to protect the habitats that sustain it.”
The governor added that many are grateful to the Raptor Center and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who partnered with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to help Jackie in her time of need.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe said Big Bear won’t be quite the same without Jackie.
“Rest peacefully, Jackie. You were loved by so many,” Rowe said.
Rep. Jay Obernolte said, “Our district mourns the passing of Jackie, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle.
“She brought joy to so many people and inspired people across our community and around the world to appreciate and protect our incredible wildlife,” Obernolte said. “She will be missed!”
Sen. Adam Schiff said he was devastated to learn of the passing of “California’s pride, Jackie.”
“Any visitor to my Washington office in the past year knows our office proudly showed the livestream of Jackie’s nest showing alongside C-SPAN and national news,” Schiff said. “We join all of California of mourning the passing of one of our most famous icons.”
Sen. Alex Padilla also said he was saddened to hear of the passing of “California’s beloved icon, Jackie, who brought joy and solace to Californians and those across the country who tracked her nest livestream.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Tributes continue for Jackie, the ‘Queen’ eagle from Big Bear
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
