[FCE] Jackie, the famous California bald eagle, dies after weeks of intensive care

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📚 Key Vocabulary

Word Definition 中文
renowned Known or talked about by many people; famous. 著名的
rehabilitation The process of helping someone or something return to a normal life or good health. 康复
chronic Lasting for a long time or constantly recurring. 慢性的
deficiency A lack or shortage of something that is needed. 缺乏
decline To become smaller, fewer, or less; to decrease in quality. 下降/衰退
habitat The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. 栖息地
fragility The quality of being easily broken or damaged. 脆弱性
foster To encourage the development or growth of something. 培养/促进

📖 Read the Article

The world of wildlife conservation is in mourning following the death of Jackie, a renowned bald eagle who became a global sensation. Jackie passed away this past Monday after undergoing several weeks of intensive medical treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center, a facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of birds of prey. Jackie’s journey to the center began after she was injured in an attack by other eagles. However, upon arrival, veterinarians identified several chronic health conditions that had likely been affecting her for some time. Most notably, she suffered from anaemia—a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells—and significant weight loss. Despite the tireless efforts of medical specialists and the application of advanced veterinary medicine, Jackie’s health continued to decline. The center eventually released a statement expressing their profound sorrow, remarking that providing care for such an iconic bird had been a unique privilege. Jackie’s rise to international fame was facilitated by the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam. This livestream, managed by a non-profit organization, allowed hundreds of thousands of viewers to observe Jackie’s daily life in her natural habitat. Hatched in 2012 in the Big Bear Valley, Jackie had been a constant presence in the region. Since 2018, she had been accompanied by her partner, Shadow. Together, the pair captured the hearts of a global audience, serving as a powerful symbol of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Following her death, Jackie’s remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Experts there will conduct a detailed examination to gain further insight into her health struggles and the effectiveness of her recent treatments. This analysis is expected to provide valuable data for future conservation efforts. The widespread grief caused by Jackie’s passing highlights the profound emotional connection modern technology can foster between humans and wildlife. Although most of her admirers only ever saw her through a digital screen, her story served as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the ability of a single animal to unite people across various borders.

✏️ Reading Practice

1. What is the primary purpose of the article?

  • A.To explain the medical causes of anaemia in bald eagles.
  • B.To report on the life and death of a famous eagle and her impact on the public.
  • C.To promote the services of the Ojai Raptor Center.
  • D.To argue against the use of livestreams in wildlife conservation.

2. Why was Jackie originally brought to the Ojai Raptor Center?

  • A.She was suffering from a long-term lack of red blood cells.
  • B.She needed a routine check-up after hatching in 2012.
  • C.She had been physically harmed by other members of her species.
  • D.She had lost a significant amount of weight in the wild.

3. What does the text suggest about the Ojai Raptor Center’s perspective on Jackie?

  • A.They felt she was a difficult patient due to her fame.
  • B.They viewed her as just another bird of prey needing help.
  • C.They felt honored to have the opportunity to look after her.
  • D.They were disappointed that advanced medicine failed to save her.

4. In the third paragraph, what does the word ‘facilitated’ most closely mean?

  • A.Prevented
  • B.Simplified
  • C.Interrupted
  • D.Assisted

5. According to the final paragraph, how did Jackie affect her audience?

  • A.She taught them how to use modern digital technology.
  • B.She created a sense of unity among people from different places.
  • C.She convinced them to move to the Big Bear Valley region.
  • D.She made them realize that nature is stronger than technology.