Unauthorized 'Jackie' Merchandise Surfaces After Viral Bald Eagle's Death — Ojai Raptor Center Issues Warning

The Ojai Raptor Center has warned the public about unauthorized merchandise bearing the image of Jackie, the viral bald eagle (Patient 26-519) who died after weeks of treatment. The center says many third-party sellers are marketing items tied to Jackie and some listings falsely claim proceeds will benefit the rescue organization.

The Ojai Raptor center is warning fans of viral bald eagle Jackie of unauthorized merchandise attached to campaigns claiming to support the center. Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue Center via AP

Ojai Raptor Center's Warning

In a Thursday Instagram post, Ojai Raptor Center made clear it is not affiliated with sellers promoting products honoring Jackie and urged supporters to direct donations to verified wildlife rehabilitators. The center wrote:

Online retailers are hoping to cash in on the death of a 14-year-old bald eagle named Jackie. Etsy

"We have seen many individuals and businesses selling merchandise featuring Patient 26-519, publicly known as 'Jackie,' including some items being promoted as benefiting Ojai Raptor Center. Ojai Raptor Center does not sell patient merchandise."

The center noted that it does sell official merchandise, but none of its items feature current or former patients.

Merchandise featuring Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle is available online on Etsy stores and elsewhere after the beloved bird died of anemia last week. Etsy

Jackie's Story

Jackie and her mate, Shadow, became internet sensations after viewers followed a live stream that documented their nesting, rearing of young, and survival through severe weather near Big Bear Lake. Jackie was found injured and unable to fly in July and received several weeks of medical care. She died of anemia at Ojai Raptor Center on August 10.

The Ojai Raptor Center does sell official merchandise, but not of their patients — including Jackie, featured in this knockoff currently sold on Etsy. Etsy

"Throughout her time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest," the center wrote on Instagram.

Third-Party Sellers And Licensed Items

Listings for Jackie-themed merchandise have appeared on marketplaces such as Etsy and other online retailers. While some sellers may be acting in good faith, others appear to be attempting to profit from the bird's death and in some cases misrepresenting the beneficiary of proceeds.

The Ojai Raptor Center urged Jackie's supporters to donate to their local wildlife centers The Ojai Raptor Center

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that hosted the live camera, offers licensed Jackie-themed products — including a children's book, plush eagles, pens, mugs and garden flags — many of which were reported as sold out on the group's website. Ojai Raptor Center said it supports FOBBV's project but specifically requested that FOBBV not donate proceeds from those sales to Ojai.

How Supporters Can Help Responsibly

Ojai Raptor Center urged fans to ensure their support reaches legitimate wildlife rehabilitation centers. Recommended actions include:

• Buy official merchandise only from verified organization websites.
• Purchase needed supplies from official wishlists posted by wildlife centers.
• Donate through verified fundraising pages or directly to local rehabilitators.
• Be wary of listings that claim to benefit a charity without clear proof or links to the charity's official site.

"Wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country depend heavily on public support to provide specialized care for injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. Make sure your support reaches the right place."

If you see merchandise that claims to benefit a wildlife organization, check the organization's official channels (website or verified social accounts) before purchasing or donating.