Celebrity bald eagle Jackie has died after weeks of deteriorating health

Digital Editor

BIG BEAR, Calif. —

Jackie the bald eagle, who became famous for raising several eaglets in Big Bear, California, with her partner Shadow, has died following weeks of deteriorating health.

The eagle pair became internet favorites thanks to a live nest camera operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which allows people around the world to watch their daily lives.

Jackie had been nesting in the Big Bear area for years, where she and Shadow have raised eaglets together. Their nest sat high in a Jeffrey pine tree near Big Bear Lake, more than 7,000 feet above sea level.

Jackie became especially popular for her dedicated parenting, dramatic interactions with Shadow and the challenges she faced protecting eggs and chicks from harsh mountain weather.

But weeks ago, Jackie entered intensive medical care when she was found weak and unable to fly.

She was taken to Ojai Raptor Center for specialized care, where veterinarians discovered that she was suffering from severe anemia and kidney inflammation.

Her condition had significant ups and downs over the last few weeks. But officials with the organization announced Monday that Jackie had died.

“Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists,” a statement from the facility reads in part. “She remained critically ill, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring in our intensive care unit.”

Her remains have been transferred into the care of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her,” officials with the Ojai Raptor Center said. “Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”