Chicks Named Sunny and Gizmo By Students And Community

Over 54,000 Submissions Celebrate The Iconic Species And Local Community Engagement

Big Bear, California (Times Media Service) – The beloved bald eagle chicks of Big Bear Valley, offspring of the internet-famous Jackie and Shadow, now have names: Sunny and Gizmo. These names were chosen following a weeklong naming contest that drew an astounding 54,000 submissions from fans across the globe. The announcement, made by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) on April 1, marks a significant moment in community-driven conservation efforts and highlights the enduring fascination with America’s national bird.

Collaborative Effort to Honor Nature

The naming contest was organized by FOBBV, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation and education. Fans were invited to submit names alongside donations to support the nonprofit’s initiatives, including maintaining the live nest camera that streams Jackie and Shadow’s day-to-day activities. From thousands of entries, 30 finalists were selected randomly. The final decision was left to local schoolchildren in Big Bear Valley’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, who voted for their favorite names. This inclusive approach allowed students to connect deeply with their local wildlife while learning about bald eagles and their ecological importance.

Sunny, the larger chick, received the most votes, while Gizmo was chosen for its smaller sibling. These names reflect both the chicks’ personalities and their environment—Sunny evokes the bright skies over Big Bear Lake, while Gizmo may be a nod to the quirky character from the film Gremlins.

A Tribute to Resilience Amid Loss

The joy surrounding Sunny and Gizmo’s naming is tempered by a poignant reminder of nature’s challenges. A third eaglet hatched alongside them in early March but tragically succumbed to a harsh winter storm. FOBBV named this chick Misty as a tribute to Kathi Misterly, a dedicated volunteer who passed away from cancer. Misty’s story underscores the fragility of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.

Bald Eagles: A Symbol of Strength and Conservation Success

The bald eagle holds profound cultural and ecological significance in the United States. Once teetering on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, poaching, and pesticide use (notably DDT), bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery thanks to decades of conservation efforts. Landmark legislation such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (1940) and the Endangered Species Act (1978) played pivotal roles in this resurgence. By 2007, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list, with populations now thriving across North America.

Today, bald eagles are celebrated not only as national symbols of strength and freedom but also as keystone species vital to ecosystem health. Their recovery serves as an inspiring example of how collective action can reverse environmental damage.

Why Naming Matters

The naming contest for Sunny and Gizmo is more than just a fun community activity—it represents an important intersection of education, conservation, and public engagement. By involving local children in naming these eaglets, FOBBV fosters a sense of stewardship for wildlife among younger generations. Additionally, global participation in the contest highlights widespread interest in preserving natural habitats for iconic species like bald eagles.

As Sunny and Gizmo prepare for their next milestone—fledging their wings and taking their first flights over Big Bear Valley—their story continues to inspire millions who watch them via livestream cameras. These chicks symbolize hope for wildlife conservation and remind us all of our shared responsibility to protect nature for future generations.

The naming of Sunny and Gizmo celebrates both community involvement and the enduring legacy of bald eagle conservation. With over 54,000 submissions worldwide, this event underscores how deeply people care about preserving these majestic birds—a testament to their role as both ecological keystones and cultural icons.

Jill Norcot / Education Writer (Times Media Service)
jnorcot@timesmediaservice.com