Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle made famous by a webcam’s livestream, died after suffering from multiple ailments and complications, notably Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), known as the bird flu, experts said Wednesday in announcing her necropsy findings.
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The Ojai Raptor Center, which cared for Jackie until her death on Aug. 10, said on social media:
“The necropsy revealed a complex and unusual disease process involving severe, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the stomach, persistent internal bleeding, anemia and secondary bacterial sepsis. Further diagnostic testing confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the affected tissues, identifying the virus as an underlying cause of the severe stomach ulceration. Multiple complications developed over time and ultimately contributed to her decline and death.”
HPAI is an infectious disease that primarily affects birds and has been circulating in wild bird populations throughout the United States. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts of avian influenza viruses, while eagles and other raptors may be exposed through contact with infected birds or by consuming infected prey, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
CDFW said in a statement the necropsy was performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
“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, was quoted as saying in the CDFW statement. “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.”
“Together, the findings showed that Jackie was suffering from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that had been developing over time and ultimately led to her decline and death,” said the CDFW statement.
After her death, but before the necropsy results came in, the Ojai center reported Jackie had been suffering from health problems including large blood clots in both wings and a kidney.
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In July, Jackie was rescued after being found grounded following a fight with other eagles.
Jackie was born in 2012 by two Big Bear Eagles, Ricky and Lucy, named by the U.S. Forest Service. Jackie fledged from the nest later that summer. Her life and the lives of her mates and chicks were later documented on a livestream nest camera installed by Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Jackie and the other eagles in the nest attracted legions of followers, some fascinated by the parenting skills of the adult eagles and many connecting the eagles to the larger ecosystem and the need to protect it.
“Jackie’s story brought unprecedented public attention to bald eagles and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on. Her life and the public’s connection to her highlights the powerful role that wildlife can play in connecting people to conservation,” CDFW said in its statement.
CDFW added there was no evidence Jackie’s latest mate, Shadow, or their eaglets were sick.
On Oct. 3, some 2,000 fans and watchers of Jackie participated in a Big Bear event honoring her called “Wings Over Big Bear.”
Last month, Jackie was also honored during events in Fawnskin at what is now called Fawnskin Freedom Park.
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