'You gave us hope': Fans of famed Big Bear bald eagle Jackie respond to her death

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Set us as preferred “One bald eagle changed the world.”So wrote Victoria Novak of Georgia, referring to Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle who died Monday after weeks of intensive care for a mysterious illness.Novak was far from alone.Her sentiment echoed nearly 200 responses to a callout asking readers what Jackie meant to them.

Messages arrived from around the world, underscoring an impact that extended far beyond Southern California.Jackie and her mate, Shadow, were propelled to celebrity status through a livestream of their nest perched high up in a pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake.Thousands of fans who have watched the couple bond and raise chicks — including two this season — are now grieving the avian icon.Themes emerged in the responses, which were edited for clarity and length.Many fans saw Jackie as a model of motherhood, devotion and perseverance.

“Jackie you were the HEART of the world! You united the world no matter what race, religion or politics you were, you gave us all HOPE!” wrote Rosemarie Schoen of Williamsburg, Va.“I loved her because of her strength and devotion to her mate Shadow and her constant care for Eaglets over the years.”“Jackie and Shadow were parents we all pray we can be,” said Kathy Wimmer of North Carolina.

“Loving, protective, teacher, provider — Jackie was all that and more.” “Beloved Jackie showed us resilience and strength and the beauty of nature and how she stood for what we all want to believe,” said Patricia Hiscox, of Long Island, N.Y.“She fought so hard and we will all miss her.”Some saw an enduring romantic partnership in Jackie and Shadow, who paired up eight years ago.

“Through all the attacks from ravens and rival eagles, through hard winds, cold and heavy snows, Jackie and Shadow protected and provided for their eaglets,” said I...