The nesting grounds of popular bald eagles Jackie and Shadow in Big Bear Valley, California, have been secured thanks to a last-minute fundraising effort that raised $10 million. A significant portion of the funds, $5.5 million, came from a donation by OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife Anna.
The land, known locally as Moon Camp, was slated for development by luxury and marina interests. Friends of Big-Bear Valley (FOBBV), an organization that has monitored the eagles with a 24/7 camera, spearheaded the campaign to purchase the property, which is located less than a mile from the eagles' nest. The deadline for the fundraising was July 31.
This acquisition ensures the protection of the habitat for the eagles, who have become local and viral favorites. "Like many people around the world, we love watching them be amazing partners to one another and raise their young," Anna Brockman stated. "They inspire perseverance and a sense of connectedness to something greater, to nature. We are proud to be supportive."
The successful fundraising push also honors the legacy of Sandy Steers, FOBBV's former executive director, who had previously negotiated a limited purchase agreement for the land before her passing in February. The San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust was also involved in the effort.
Meanwhile, the well-being of the eagles themselves has been a recent concern. Jackie is currently recovering at the Ojai Raptor Center after an attack by two other eagles near Big Bear Lake. She is reported to be in critical condition, suffering from severe anemia and kidney inflammation, and it is believed she may have been ill prior to the attack.
Adding to the complexity, Shadow, the male eagle, was recently seen with a subadult female eagle. FOBBV noted that this new eagle may have been one of the birds that attacked Jackie. However, experts have suggested that the strong bond between Jackie and Shadow makes it unlikely he will seek a new mate soon, as he is not expected to look for one until his hormones increase.