Jackie the famous Big Bear eagle has died; What happens to her body next could help native American tribes

Jackie, the bald eagle who became an internet sensation while raising eaglets above Big Bear Lake, has died at 14. But even after her death, the beloved bird could continue to play an important role for Native American tribes across the United States.

Jackie died in the early hours of August 10 after more than three weeks of intensive medical treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center in California. The center announced her death on Monday, saying her condition had continued to deteriorate despite extensive efforts by veterinarians and wildlife specialists.

“It is with profound sadness that we share that [Jackie] passed away in the early hours of this morning, following more than three weeks of intensive medical care,” the center wrote in a social media post. Her death, however, does not mean the end of the story for her remains.

Jackie’s remains will enter a federal system serving Native American tribes

Following a necropsy performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Jackie’s remains will be transported to the National Eagle Repository, a facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement.

The repository plays a unique role in providing eagle remains, parts and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the facility “receives, evaluates, stores, and distributes eagle remains, parts, and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes throughout the United States for religious, cultural, and ceremonial purposes.” It also runs educational programs focused on bald and golden eagle conservation.

That means Jackie’s remains could ultimately become part of a system that supports Native American religious, spiritual and ceremonial practices.

Jackie’s feathers and other remains could be distributed to tribal members

Jackie will not simply be handed over intact to a particular tribe or individual. The repository distributes eagle remains, parts and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. According to CDFW, distribution takes place on a first-come, first-served basis to minimize wait times and ensure applicants from all federally recognized tribes have equal access.

The agency also makes clear that Jackie’s remains cannot be reserved for a specific applicant, geographic region or individual tribe.

The Repository only serves enrolled members of United States federally recognized Tribes and does not distribute eagle remains, parts, or feathers to other individuals or entities.

Why Jackie’s death matters beyond Big Bear Lake

Jackie became the first documented bald eagle chick hatched in Big Bear Valley in summer 2012. In 2015, the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream camera at the nest, allowing viewers around the world to follow Jackie and her mate, Shadow, as they raised eaglets.

For years, millions watched the pair survive storms, lose eggs and raise young in the nest above Big Bear Lake.

“Millions of people who will never set foot near Big Bear have watched, for years, as this eagle 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,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “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."

Jackie and Shadow’s story

Jackie lived in Big Bear for at least 15 years and became famous alongside her mate, Shadow, through Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which operates a 24/7 livestream of their nest nearly 150 feet above the lake. Viewers worldwide watched the pair build and defend their nest, hunt and raise their young.

Their viral journey included losing their first two eggs of 2026 to a raven attack before Jackie laid again and the pair raised two eaglets, Sandy and Luna, whose names were chosen by local third graders.

Jackie and Shadow’s story began in 2018, after Shadow displaced Jackie’s former mate, Mr. B. The pair went on to raise eaglets in 2019 and 2022 while also enduring the loss of eggs in 2023 and 2024.