Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images News / Getty Images
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CNS) - California will observe Wildlife Day on Friday in remembrance of Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, under a resolution introduced by Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, and approved by the state Senate.
Senate Resolution 140 passed the Senate last week with bipartisan support following Jackie's death Aug. 10. KFI AM 640 sponsored the resolution.
Jackie, who was about 14 years old, became one of the world's most closely watched bald eagles through a livestream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The group installed a camera at her nest in 2015, allowing viewers around the world to follow Jackie's life in the San Bernardino Mountains. Millions of viewers over the years watched her courtship, nesting and efforts to raise young.
Jackie paired with Shadow in 2018, and the two became known for their interactions at the nest overlooking Big Bear Lake. Their nesting seasons, including successful hatches and heartbreaking losses, attracted an international online following.
Earlier this year, Jackie and Shadow raised two eaglets, Sandy and Luna, who successfully fledged from the nest.
Jackie disappeared from the nest area in July and was later spotted on the ground near Big Bear Lake, prompting concern among her followers. She was eventually captured by rescuers and taken to the Ojai Raptor Center for treatment.
Jackie was found to be suffering from severe anemia and other health problems and received intensive veterinary care, including a blood transfusion. Her condition improved at times, but she remained seriously ill and died Aug. 10 after several weeks of treatment.
"Jackie captured the hearts of people in California and around the world, giving so many of us a front-row seat to the beauty, strength, and resilience of wildlife," Strickland said. "Her story reminds us that wildlife conservation brings people together."
The resolution recognizes California as one of the nation's most ecologically diverse states and cites wildlife including the California condor, Mojave desert tortoise and bald eagle.
It also highlights the significance of the bald eagle as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, citing the bird's role as a national symbol of freedom, strength and resilience.
"Over the past decade, many of our listeners watched the webcam and witnessed the beautiful life Jackie, her mate Shadow, and their eaglets created together. Jackie's story brought people together across generations and communities," KFI "Wake Up Call" host Amy King said. "As storytellers, we believe stories can connect people, inspire compassion, and create a shared sense of community. It has been an honor to share Jackie's story with our listeners and to be part of the community that followed her remarkable journey."
The resolution says Jackie's life provides an opportunity to celebrate the ideals associated with the bald eagle while recognizing California's responsibility to protect its wildlife and natural heritage for future generations.