Photo: Friends of Big Bear Valley
Fans of the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, Jackie, rushed to purchase "Jackie Strong" merchandise, which quickly sold out online.
The shirts, featuring images of Jackie and a dedication to the organizations involved in her rescue and care, were available through the Friends of Big Bear Valley's webstore. According to the KTLA, the shirts were in high demand following Jackie's death earlier this month.
Jackie, who was 14 years old, passed away on August 10 after intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center. She had been rescued in July after being found grounded due to an altercation with other eagles. Despite the efforts of veterinarians, she succumbed to severe anemia and other health issues.
The "Jackie Strong" shirts were created to honor her legacy, with all proceeds going to the organizations that cared for her, as stated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Due to the overwhelming demand, new orders may take several months to fulfill.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley announced that they are working to restock the merchandise and will update fans via social media when new inventory becomes available. Meanwhile, a tribute event, "Fly High, Jackie Night," was hosted by the Ontario Tower Buzzers baseball team on Sunday, August 23, to further honor Jackie.
As fans mourn Jackie's loss, her mate, Shadow, has been seen with a new eagle, KD1, sparking interest in what the future holds for the Big Bear eagle nest. Observers remain hopeful as they continue to watch the eagles through the live nest camera.
A community celebration and memorial honoring the late Big Bear bald eagle Jackie is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026.