Cards, letters and drawings in honor of Jackie, seen here in Big Bear Valley in 2023. Image: Ojai Raptor Center/Friends of Big Bear Valley

A “room filled with kindness” is opening at the Ojai Raptor Center in southern California. After the center’s staff cared for the beloved, internet-famous bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) mother Jackie before her death in August, they received thousands of letters, drawings, cards, and well-wishes from people all over the world. Now, they have taken them all and turned a room into a place where the staff can reflect and read these messages of support.

“We wanted to share this special space with you, because you helped create it,” the center writes . “From all of us at Ojai Raptor Center and our extended care team, thank you for your compassion, kindness, and support. Patient 26-519 (Jackie’s) journey brought people together from around the world through a shared love and concern for wildlife.…