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 See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The California Post on Google The California wildlife center that cared for Jackie, the viral bald eagle who died last week, has issued a stark warning against ill-eagle merchandise.
In a Thursday Instagram post, Ojai Raptor Center made it clear that they are not affiliated with the sale of any merchandise honoring the beloved bird, and urged fans to support their local wildlife centers.
“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,” the post read.
“Ojai Raptor Center does not sell patient merchandise.”
While the center does sell official merchandise, none of which honors Jackie or any other patients.
Jackie and her partner Shadow became internet sensations after viewers tuned into a live stream to watch the pair build nests, care for their young, and survive intense weather conditions near Big Bear Lake over the years.
In July, Jackie was discovered near the lake injured and unable to fly. After several weeks of medical care, the bird died at the Ojai Raptor Center on August 10.
“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,” read a post on Instagram from the center.
“We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her. Our team is heartbroken. It has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her,” the post continued.
While the Ojai Raptor Center is not selling Jackie merch, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit who hosted the live cam that broadcasted the eagle, has several Jackie-themed items on sale.
The org is selling a children’s book featuring Jackie and Shadow’s story, eagle plushies of the pair, as well as pens, mugs, and garden flags, all of which are currently sold out on their website.
“While we fully support FOBBV and appreciate the beautiful project they created, we specifically requested that none of the proceeds from their merchandise be donated to Ojai Raptor Center,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in their instagram post.
The center urged wildlife lovers to donate to support their local wildlife centers by buying their official merchandise, purchasing needed supplies from their official wishlists, and donating through their official fundraising campaigns.
“Wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country depend heavily on public support to provide specialized care for injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife,” they said. “Make sure your support reaches the right place.”
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