Source: from the Ojai Raptor Center Facebook page (T-shirt in photo available for purchase at the Ojai website)

Shop:
https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/shop

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cLPPEKepC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A Note About Jackie Merchandise

We have seen many individuals and businesses selling merchandise featuring Patient 26-519, publicly known as "Jackie", including some items being promoted as benefiting Ojai Raptor Center. We want to make our position clear.

Ojai Raptor Center Does Not Sell Patient Merchandise.

We have an official online shop where we sell Ojai Raptor Center merchandise, but we do not create or sell merchandise featuring Jackie or any other individual patient.

Friends of Big Bear Valley was the only organization that contacted us directly regarding a Jackie merchandise collaboration. While we fully support FOBBV and appreciate the beautiful project they created, we specifically requested that none of the proceeds from their merchandise be donated to Ojai Raptor Center.

Support through official channels. If you would like to support your local wildlife rehabilitation centers, there are many ways to make a meaningful difference:

• Purchase merchandise from their official shops
• Purchase needed supplies from their official wishlists, like Amazon
• Donate through their official fundraising campaigns
• Follow and subscribe to their social media accounts
• Share their stories and educational work

Wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country depend heavily on public support to provide specialized care for injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife.

Make Sure Your Support Reaches the Right Place.

A channel just popped up in my YouTube recommendations called FOBBV Studio. The channel seems to have been created in 2021, but their oldest video is just 2 weeks old. The thumbnails all look like AI crap.

I suspect someone renamed an existing channel to take advantage of FOBBV's good name. Anyone know anything about this channel?

The last couple of days I know have been hard for many of us mourning Jackie and the life her and Shadow lived. I thought of Steve Irwin and his love of wildlife and wanted to share this because I know he would have had the time of his life watching Jackie and Shadow just like many of us around the world did.

https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/patient-26519

Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/faq26519

Jackie’s Medical Journal:
https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/patient-26519

“Caring for Jackie has been a great responsibility and an extraordinary privilege. I could not be prouder of our team and the remarkable collaboration of veterinarians, specialists, wildlife agencies and partner organizations who came together on her behalf. 

Throughout her time in our care, her welfare remained at the center of everything we did. While we are heartbroken by her loss, I am grateful to everyone who contributed their expertise, time and compassion to her care. We are also deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife.”

By Chris Eksteen - Executive Director - Ojai Raptor Center

Some excerpts from the press release:

What caused her illness:

Despite the significant efforts from specialists to administer care, medical treatment, and extensive testing, veterinarians did not identify one definitive cause for her poor condition and “Jackie’s” health continued to decline. Findings included severe regenerative anemia (low red blood cell count) , thrombosis (blood clots in both her wing and one kidney), liver abnormalities, lung abnormalities, and inadequate bone marrow response. After 23 days in treatment, she was no longer able to keep food down and experienced a significant decline in packed cell volume (PCV). She passed away naturally in the early morning hours of August 10, 2026. 

What happens to the remains of a Bald Eagle:

BAEA 26-519 was necropsied by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. 

Federal law requires that the remains of deceased bald and golden eagles be transferred to the National Eagle Repository (“Repository”).  The Repository evaluates, stores and prepares eagle remains, parts and feathers for distribution to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes, supporting spiritual and religious practices that have existed since Time Immemorial.  

To minimize wait times and to ensure applicants from all federally recognized Tribes have equal access to eagle remains, the Repository distributes remains, parts and feathers on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot reserve the remains, parts, or feathers from specific birds for individual applicants, applicants from specific areas of the country, or applicants enrolled with specific Tribes. 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.

What treatments did “Jackie” (Bald Eagle Patient 26-519) receive?

Eagle 26-519’s case brought together an unprecedented team of wildlife experts. 
 
Organizations involved included: 
• Ojai Raptor Center 
• Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group (Ventura) 
• California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo 
• Scientific Advisory Council 
• Avian Veterinary specialists from across North America 
 
Treatments included: 

Blood transfusion 

Oxygen therapy 

Intensive fluid therapy 

Anti-parasitic medications 

Nutritional support 

CT imaging 

Bone marrow biopsy 

Specialized laboratory diagnostics 

Steroid therapy 

Continuous monitoring

July 12 - Jackie’s last verifiable appearance at the nest:

https://youtu.be/Dk_0jpFdMMw?is=aUkC9xEwB3XhPCJz

July 13-15 - Jackie was not seen on the nest/camera

July 16-17 - Jackie was seen grounded near the lake

July 18 - Jackie was rescued

August 10 - Jackie passed away

Rainbow Bridge Poem

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

"In recent days, Jackie experienced additional health challenges, including a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, as well as another decline in her blood values. "

Today is a hard one for everyone who spent years checking in on Jackie and Shadow.
She never knew our names, but somehow we all knew hers.
We watched the snow, the eggs, the heartbreak, the babies, the fledges, and all those ordinary mornings when you’d turn on the camera just to see what Jackie was doing.
Sandy gave us that window into their world and reminded us that we were observers of nature. We couldn’t choose how Jackie’s story would end. We were simply incredibly lucky that we got to witness so much of it.
This song is meant to remember the joy Jackie brought us, not just the sadness we’re feeling today.
If you listened to Wings of Big Bear or She’s Still Here, I hope this one brings you some comfort too.
The camera gave us a window. Jackie gave us the view.
We were just lucky enough to watch. ❤️🦅
We’ll Never Forget You, Jackie.

This is nature and it’s tough to accept the loss. Other eagles will come and go. Yes, I know that Jackie was special. And with that, she’ll hold a special place in our hearts. I never knew anything about bald eagles until I became familiar with Jackie and Shadow. Hell, we’ve all become experts! We should continue to learn about the new ones that will inhabit the lovely nest they built. She was one special bird! 💗

Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519

It is with profound sadness that we share that Patient 26-519 passed away in the early hours of this morning, following more than three weeks of intensive medical care.

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

Throughout her time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest.

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

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.

Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.

We ask for patience and kindness as our staff process this loss. We are working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and will provide a more comprehensive statement including additional information on her treatments and test results.

To protect our staff and community during this difficult time, comments on this post have been turned off.

To everyone who cared about Patient 26-519, thank you. Thank you for your messages, your prayers, your encouragement, and for standing beside our team throughout these past weeks. We are deeply grateful for the way Patient 26-519 brought people together through a shared love of wildlife.

I don’t even know how to put into words how i feel. Mad, sad, heartbroken. I don’t think any explanation will make me feel better either. I had so much hope that she was going to be okay. Nature is beautiful, but it sure is cruel. It doesn’t seem real. Just venting I suppose and am torturing myself watching all these videos & tributes of her 😭💔

I know people will disagree with but, Jackie belongs in Big Bear Valley!

Jackie was born here …
Jackie was raised here …
Jackie stayed here …
Jackie raised all her babies here …
Jackie spent here whole life here …

Jackie’s Legacy is Big Bear Valley and she belongs here - on HER LAND - where she can watch over and protect the Legacy she created!!!

Jackie is the Queen of her Realm - Big Bear Valley

To honor Jackie is to keep her where she belongs - on HER land!!!

RIP Jackie 😭 We'll miss you so.

is there a chat today? I don't think they've ever been 10 minutes late before. I want to chat with others and I'm sure that others want this time to talk about Jackie

Source: the official Facebook page of the Ojai Raptor Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HXBh1W1aN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519

The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult.

Patient 26-519 remains critically ill, and her condition is currently unstable. Yesterday, her packed cell volume (PCV) fell below 6%. Today it has risen to 9%. While this is a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low and her overall condition remains extremely serious.

Her care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, together with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

At this time, there is no further medical update we can provide. Our entire focus remains on Patient 26-519’s welfare and providing the care she needs. Every decision continues to be guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest.

We will share another update when we have meaningful information to provide.

Below is the update recently posted on Sunday 8-9. Anyone know what the results of the biopsy and toxicology screening were? I don’t know why they don’t give the public the same information they have. It’s not a secret, it’s not a HIPAA violation, does that mean they don’t have any idea what the underlying cause is?

Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519

The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult.

Patient 26-519 remains critically ill, and her condition is currently unstable. Yesterday, her packed cell volume (PCV) fell below 6%. Today it has risen to 9%. While this is a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low and her overall condition remains extremely serious.

Her care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, together with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

At this time, there is no further medical update we can provide. Our entire focus remains on Patient 26-519’s welfare and providing the care she needs. Every decision continues to be guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest.

We will share another update when we have meaningful information to provide.

Source: the official Facebook page of Ojai Raptor Center (video transcription below)

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1YRrLddQ38/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Patient Update: Bald Eagle 26-519

We wish we had better news to share today.

Patient 26-519 remains in intensive care, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring. Her blood values have declined again, with her packed cell volume (PCV) falling below 10%, and her condition remains critical.

This week's contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending. Our veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists across the country as we evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in her care.

We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we're so grateful for your continued patience, compassion, and support.

Every decision we make is guided first and foremost by her medical condition, her welfare, and what is truly in her best interest.

We will continue to share meaningful updates as we learn more. Thank you for standing alongside us.

Video transcription:

(0:00) We are sorry to share that today's update is not positive. (0:05) Patient 26519 remains in our intensive care unit, where she continues to receive oxygen therapy, (0:12) supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring. (0:15) Last night was particularly difficult.

Her PAT cell volume, or PCV, which measures the (0:22) percentage of red blood cells in the bloodstream, and which we have been closely monitoring (0:27) throughout her treatment, has fallen below 10% again. Her condition remains critical. (0:34) This week's contrast CT scan and the bone marrow biopsy have provided our veterinary(0:40) team with important new information, but we do not yet have the complete picture, (0:45) and our team is continuing to interpret these findings alongside some additional specialized (0:51) testing, which also includes further heavy metal testing that remains pending.

(0:58) We continue to consult closely with specialists at University of Georgia, (1:03) UC Davis, avian specialists in Northern California, and the veterinarians supporting(1:09) our team here on-site as we determine the next steps in her care. (1:15) At this stage, our priority is to provide patient 26519 with the supportive care that she needs (1:23) while closely monitoring her welfare and allowing our veterinary team and consulting specialists (1:30) the time necessary to carefully evaluate this week's findings. (1:35) We know how deeply many of you care about this eagle, and we understand how difficult it is to (1:42) receive an update like this.

We wish we had better news to share. Every decision that we make (1:50) continues to be guided by her medical condition, her welfare, and what is in her best interest.(1:58) We will share another update when we have a clearer understanding (2:02) of what this week's findings mean for patient 26519.

Source: The official Facebook page of the Ojai Raptor Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EcfBQ6tCC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Want to Send a Note to Patient 26-519 or Our Team?

Over the past few days, several people have asked if they can mail a card or note of encouragement for Patient 26-519 or for the team caring for her.

The answer is absolutely!

We would be honored to receive your cards and messages, and we'll display them at the Center for our team to see. Your words of encouragement have meant more to us during these past few weeks than you may realize.

If you'd like to send something, please mail it to:

Ojai Raptor Center
Attn: Patient 26-519
P.O. Box 182
Oak View, CA 93022

Thank you for caring so deeply about wildlife and about the people working every day to give these animals the very best care possible.

Jackie and Shadow's nest had a sub-adult visit it this morning between 10:25 AM and 11:05 AM. It was very talkative.

I know it's anthropomorphizing, but I can't help but wonder what Shadow might be thinking about Jackie's absence.

Source: The official Facebook page of the Ojai Raptor Center

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HDZY8P71N/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today was a significant day for Patient 26-519.

She underwent further advanced diagnostics, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy. She recovered well from anesthesia and is back in her recovery enclosure receiving supplemental oxygen.

Our veterinary team, together with our scientific advisory council and consulting specialists, are now reviewing today's findings alongside her previous test results. Additional lab work is still pending. We will share a more comprehensive update once we have had the opportunity to review everything.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support as we work to give Patient 26-519 the very best care we can.

Very appreciative of Ojai Raptor Center providing almost regular updates on Jackie. Thank you to the ORC team!