Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle chicks finally have names — and one carries an emotional tribute.
Jackie and Shadow’s two eaglets have officially been named Sandy and Luna after more than 63,000 name submissions from fans worldwide, with local Big Bear Valley third graders making the final call, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The name Sandy honors Sandy Steers, the longtime Friends of Big Bear Valley executive director and fierce protector of the eagles’ habitat, who died in February.
Friends of Big Bear Valley said Sandy was the most popular submission, appearing 3,706 times out of 63,915 total entries.
“Although Sandy would not have wanted us to outright name one of the eaglets Sandy, she would have been honored that you and the students went through the process,” the organization said.
Chick 1, the larger and more submissive eaglet, received the name Sandy with 30 student votes, while Chick 2, considered smaller and more aggressive, was named Luna with 25 votes.
The two fuzzy internet stars hatched over Easter weekend and have continued to draw global attention through the wildly popular Big Bear nest cam.
The nonprofit recently launched a major fundraising push to protect the birds’ Moon Camp habitat from future luxury development near Big Bear Lake.
Fans submitted names between April 15 and April 26, with donations supporting the conservation group’s habitat preservation efforts.
The chicklets are also making their mark on mailboxes everywhere. The U.S. Postal Service has announced a new series of stamps featuring Sandy and Luna.
“Spread your wings and fly! Bald eagles are more than a national symbol; they embody freedom, strength, and courage,” read a Postal Service message on Instagram.
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