Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle Jackie is still undergoing medical tests after she was found grounded and unable to fly on July 16.
Jackie was rescued by wildlife experts on July 18, after she was repeatedly attacked by a pair of juvenile eagles near Dana Point Park on Big Bear Lake’s north shore. Despite being unable to fly, Jackie suffered no broken bones or other serious injuries, wildlife experts told KTLA.
Jackie and her partner Shadow became famous after their daily lives were broadcast over the internet by the environmental organization Friends of Big Bear Valley. The mated pair, which has been together since 2018, is actively rearing a pair of eaglets, Sandy and Luna.
In 2025, Jackie and Shadow successfully hatched and raised another pair of eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo. The couple also suffered the loss of an eaglet during a storm in 2025, and had two eggs stolen by ravens in early 2026.
Now Jackie and Shadow are suffering through their latest hardship. The pair remain separated as Jackie is still undergoing tests at the Ojai Raptor Center, where wildlife experts are working to determine if she’s healthy enough to return to the wild.
“Weak and vulnerable, they are now undergoing a full medical assessment and receiving the veterinary care they need to recover,” the Ojai Raptor Center said.
While it was initially unconfirmed if the injured eagle was Jackie, Friends of Big Bear Valley, issued a statement late Sunday night that it is confident Jackie is the injured bird pictured in the rescue photos.
“Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this,” Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote on social media. “Meanwhile, Shadow is an excellent mate and father, he continues to care for Sandy and Luna while protecting the nest and territory.”
The latest videos from the live nest cam show Shadow continuing to raise the fledgling pair of eaglets on his own. Jackie is expected to remain in the care of wildlife experts for several days.
The rescue has prompted the Ojai Raptor Center to ask the public for donations to help with their work.
Shadow seen sitting along in the Big Bear nest cam on July 19, 2026. (Friends of Big Bear Valley)
“Bald Eagles require specialized care, and because we receive no sustained government funding, that care is only possible through the generosity of people like you,” the Ojai Raptor Center wrote on social media. “Your gift to this recovery fund helps provide the medicine, nutrition, and expert attention this patient needs on their path back to the wild. Please consider making a donation today to give this eagle, and every other patient, the chance to fly free again.”
Since posting the donations page, the wildlife rehabilitation center has received thousands of dollars in donations.
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