Big Bear Eaglets Named Sunny and Gizmo by Local Students

The surviving chicks of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, hatched in March, were named through a community-led contest as they continue to grow under global watch.

• The two surviving eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, were officially named on April 1, 2025, following a naming contest involving over 54,000 submissions.
• Big Bear Valley elementary school students in grades 3 through 5 selected the names from a list of 30 finalists provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley nonprofit.
• The third eaglet, Misty, who did not survive a March snowstorm, was named in honor of Kathi Misterly, a dedicated volunteer who passed away from cancer.
• Sunny and Gizmo are developing feathers and showing increased curiosity as their growth is monitored via a live webcam that has drawn global attention.
• Jackie and Shadow’s nesting journey highlights both the challenges of wildlife survival and the role of public engagement in conservation efforts.

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