Warning Issued After Bald Eagle’s Death
The California Wildlife Center has raised concerns regarding the sale of products related to bald eagles, following the death of Jackie, a 14-year-old eagle, last week due to a virus.
On Thursday, the Ojai Raptor Center, via a post on social media, clarified that they do not sell any merchandise commemorating Jackie. Instead, they encouraged supporters to back their local wildlife organizations.
Many individuals and businesses have taken to selling items featuring Jackie, referred to as Patient 26-519, while falsely claiming that these products benefit the Ojai Bird of Prey Center. The Ojai Raptor Center stated, “We do not sell patient merchandise.” Though they do have official merchandise available, none of it is dedicated to Jackie or any other patients.
Jackie and her mate, Shadow, became well-known online as viewers watched them nurture their nest, raise young, and endure challenging weather conditions near Big Bear Lake. In July, Jackie was found injured by a lake and unable to fly. After receiving treatment for several weeks, she sadly passed away on August 10.
The Ojai Raptor Center emphasized that all decisions regarding her care were made with her best interests at heart. They acknowledged the global outpouring of grief from those who followed her story, expressing their own heartache, saying, “It was an honor to care for her.”
While the center does not sell any merchandise featuring Jackie, the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which hosted the live-streamed eagle cam, does offer some Jackie-related items. These include children’s books about Jackie and Shadow, stuffed eagles, mugs, and garden flags, though they are currently sold out.
The Ojai Raptor Center has made it clear that, while they support the efforts of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, they have requested that proceeds from sales not be directed to them. They urged wildlife lovers to support local wildlife centers by buying official merchandise, contributing to essential supplies, or donating through fundraising campaigns.
“Wildlife rehabilitation centers nationwide depend heavily on the community for support to provide specialized care for injured or displaced wildlife,” they added. “Make sure your support is directed to the right places.”
