Shadow, a bald eagle residing in Big Bear, has been observed with a new avian companion, identified as KD1, at his nest just three days after the passing of his longtime partner, Jackie. The new eagle's arrival was documented by Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization that operates a livestream of the eagles' lives.
Jackie died early on a Monday after a prolonged battle with anemia. She had been receiving intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center after being found in serious condition in the wild. Despite oxygen therapy, supportive care, and consultations with specialists, her condition worsened, leading to her death. The Ojai Raptor Center stated that all decisions regarding her care were guided by medical evidence and her welfare.
KD1 first appeared at the nest on August 10, the same day news of Jackie's death was announced. The new eagle, estimated to be about 4½ years old and hatched in Southern California in March 2022, has returned to the nest multiple times since then. Comparing its size to Shadow, KD1 appears larger, which, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, suggests KD1 may be female, as female bald eagles are typically larger than males.
Shadow and Jackie had been a popular fixture for eagle watchers, with their nest livestream attracting a significant global audience. The pair were estimated to have raised several eaglets together, including Simba, Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo, Luna, and Sandy. Jackie was estimated to be around 14 years old. In the period preceding her hospitalization, a video appeared to capture Jackie being attacked by two juvenile eagles, though it remains unclear if she was already ill at that time.
The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley shared footage on a Thursday showing Shadow and KD1 together at the nest for several minutes before they flew away. Jackie's remains have been sent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Ojai Raptor Center is cooperating with state and federal wildlife officials regarding her treatment and test results. Thousands of people had followed Jackie's journey and expressed hope for her recovery.