Jackie the Bald Eagle Died From Avian Influenza, Officials Confirm

Veterinary officials revealed that Jackie, the internet-famous Big Bear bald eagle who died in August following weeks of medical care, succumbed to highly pathogenic avian influenza. A necropsy uncovered a severe stomach ulcer and secondary bacterial sepsis driven by the virus.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Confirms Avian Influenza Diagnosis

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released the definitive findings alongside the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Ojai Raptor Center. Pathology teams determined that the primary driver behind the eagle’s decline was a viral infection circulating widely in U.S. bird populations.

Waterfowl and shorebirds serve as natural hosts for the pathogen. Raptors typically contract the illness through direct contact with sick animals or by feeding on infected prey. Veterinarians noted that Jackie’s case featured an unusual manifestation of the disease.

Jackie’s necropsy confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary underlying cause of her decline.

Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Specialists found that the viral activity localized inside the bird’s digestive tract. Experts detailed the exact mechanism that outpaced medical intervention during her weeks of hospitalization.

In an uncommon presentation of the virus, the infection caused a severe ulcer in her stomach that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and the development of bacterial sepsis.

Steve Kubiski, Director of Disease Investigations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Ojai Raptor Center Details Weeks of Intensive Treatment

The raptor arrived at the rehabilitation facility weak and dehydrated following an aggressive territorial dispute with other eagles near the Big Bear Lake shoreline in July. Medical teams battled severe blood loss during her final days in early August.

Additional diagnostic screenings checked for West Nile virus and heavy metals. Those panels returned normal results or acceptable limits. Toxicology screens identified traces of brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rodenticide, alongside environmental contaminants stored in her liver. Officials emphasized that rat poisoning was not the primary cause of death.

The necropsy results have helped connect many of the findings we were seeing throughout the eagle’s hospitalization.

Chris Eksteen, Executive Director of Ojai Raptor Center

The diagnostic review revealed chronic disease within the muscular portion of the stomach known as the gizzard. The damaged, ulcerated tissue sustained continuous bleeding. It allowed bacteria to penetrate deeper into her tissues, resulting in secondary infections, severe inflammation, and blood clots located in her heart and major vessels.

Shadow and the Big Bear Valley Nest Moving Forward

Jackie’s death closed a chapter for the millions of viewers who tracked her life via the 24/7 livestream camera operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Hatched in 2012 to parents Ricky and Lucy, she took over a nest ahead of the 2016–2017 season and raised multiple clutches of eaglets alongside her mate, Shadow.

Wildlife managers confirmed that camera data shows no indication that Shadow or the younger eagles contracted the illness. Shadow remains in the valley and has recently been observed spending time with a younger adult female eagle.

Following established biosafety protocols designed to prevent virus transmission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository handled the final arrangements. Her remains were cremated, concluding an era that brought unprecedented public awareness to bald eagle conservation.

More on this story: Jackie the Bald Eagle Dies After Treatment at Ojai Raptor Center