The viral bald eagle known as Jackie, who lived in California’s Big Bear Valley, died of multiple causes, according to a new autopsy report.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released necropsy results this week in partnership with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Ojai Raptor Center after testing on patient 26-519, more commonly known as Jackie, was completed.
The autopsy revealed that Jackie suffered from several ailments, including a type of infectious bird flu. She died in August following an injury sustained during a fight with other birds.
An autopsy report has been released for Big Bear Valley’s bald eagle, known as Jackie.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
“Jackie’s necropsy confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the primary underlying cause of her decline,” Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said in a statement. “In a rare presentation of the virus, the infection caused a severe stomach ulcer that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia and the development of bacterial sepsis.”
According to the autopsy report, Jackie’s chronic illness led to a secondary bacterial infection, severe inflammation and the formation of blood clots. Toxicology tests also revealed that Jackie had environmental contaminants and traces of a rodenticide called brodifacoum in her liver.
“Together, the results showed that Jackie suffered from several serious and interconnected disease processes that developed over time and ultimately led to her decline and death,” CDFW said.
The CDFW also noted that Jackie’s remains were cremated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Eagle Repository.
“We are grateful to everyone who cared for her and worked to ensure her well-being. Understanding the results of these tests is an important part of learning about this case and can help inform the care and treatment of other eagles and wildlife in the future,” CDFW Director Meghan Hertel said in a statement.
Jackie was one half of the bald eagle duo that went viral and gained worldwide popularity in 2023. She and her partner, Shadow, were the stars of a San Bernardino National Forest livestream hosted by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley. They fostered five eaglets together.
Shadow continues to live in Big Bear Valley, according to CDFW. In recent months, Friends of Big Bear Valley noted that he had been joined by another female eagle known as KD1, or “Katie” or “Kaydee” to fans.
Gn Health
