Big Bear officials are developing plans to honor Jackie, the iconic bald eagle whose death Monday has left thousands of online followers mourning the loss of a bird who became an international sensation through her livestreamed life at Big Bear Lake.
A spokesperson for Visit Big Bear confirmed to TMZ.com that community leaders are working to incorporate Jackie into the area's Labor Day drone show, which could feature her image and name illuminated against the night sky. The tribute would mark one of several memorial concepts under consideration as the community grapples with the loss of the beloved raptor.
Additional proposals include organizing a sunset memorial ceremony at Big Bear Lake and erecting a permanent statue to commemorate Jackie and her longtime mate, Shadow. The pair became fixtures in the local community and gained worldwide attention through cameras that documented their nesting activities and attempts to raise eaglets over multiple years.
The Visit Big Bear representative emphasized that all memorial concepts remain in preliminary discussions. No definitive decisions have been reached regarding specific details, including potential locations for a statue or the format of other tributes.
A spokesperson for Friends of Big Bear Valley told TMZ.com that the organization has not yet formalized any memorial arrangements given how recently Jackie's death occurred. However, the group has observed a notable surge in public response, including increased email correspondence, online comments, and merchandise purchases since the news broke.
Jackie died Monday following more than three weeks of intensive medical care. The eagle sustained critical injuries in July when two juvenile bald eagles attacked her. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries.
The livestream featuring Jackie and Shadow attracted a devoted global audience who followed the eagles' daily activities, nesting behaviors, and parenting efforts. The cameras provided an intimate window into the lives of the mated pair, transforming them from local wildlife into beloved public figures whose story resonated far beyond Big Bear Valley.
As community members and online followers continue to express their grief, local officials face the task of creating fitting tributes that capture Jackie's significance to both the region and her worldwide fan base. The Labor Day weekend timeline would provide an opportunity for a large-scale public remembrance during a period when many visitors are present in the mountain community.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
