Jackie, a bald eagle that captured global attention through a live video feed, died in August due to complications from avian influenza, according to a necropsy report released this week. The investigation, carried out by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, identified Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as the primary cause of her health decline.

Steve Kubiski, director of disease investigations for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, explained that Jackie’s case represented an uncommon manifestation of the virus. The infection caused a severe ulcer in her stomach, resulting in persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and ultimately bacterial sepsis. This series of interconnected conditions overwhelmed Jackie, leading to her death despite intensive veterinary care.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which issued the report, highlighted the complexity of the illness. "Jackie was suffering from multiple severe and interconnected disease processes that had been developing over time and ultimately led to her decline and death," the department stated.

Jackie’s struggle with illness emerged in the summer months, prompting efforts to save her that included hospitalization and sedation for a blood transfusion. These interventions, however, were unsuccessful in reversing her condition.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that has been affecting wild bird populations across the United States. Raptors such as eagles are thought to acquire the disease through contact with infected birds or consumption of contaminated prey species. Waterfowl and shorebirds are known natural carriers of the virus, which has raised concerns for diverse bird species in the wild.

Jackie was a significant figure in the Big Bear Valley region of Southern California, where she hatched in 2012 as the first eaglet born in that area. Her parents, Ricky and Lucy, were notable as the first adult bald eagles to reside year-round in the valley, which had previously served only as a seasonal habitat. Big Bear Lake, where Jackie lived, is located approximately one hour northeast of San Bernardino in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Her life drew worldwide viewership after a Forest Service employee, Sandy Steers, installed a webcam 120 feet above the forest floor to livestream her daily activities. Over time, the live feed gained millions of viewers and made Jackie a symbol of local wildlife conservation efforts and a cultural icon representative of America’s national bird.