See video of Jackie recovering in rehab
Big Bear Valley’s bald eagle Jackie is showing signs of recovery at the Ojai Raptor Center, as vets continue to monitor her condition.
Despite showing small but encouraging signs of recovery, beloved bald eagle Jackie’s anemia has worsened, said the raptor center where she has been recouping for more than two weeks.
Ojai Raptor Center, in an Aug. 3 post on Facebook, said Jackie’s latest “bloodwork brought some difficult news” with her packed cell volume (PCV) dropping to 13%, “which means her anemia has worsened” since the last update.
The facility said its “veterinary team is responding quickly,” and “additional advanced diagnostic testing” is underway as it continues “working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment.”
“At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information,” Ojai Raptor Center said, adding it was grateful to the public for its “continued encouragement and support.”
‘Complex’ case
Jackie’s health crisis, which first emerged after she was rescued following an “altercation” with two subadult eagles on July 17, has drawn concern from millions of fans.
The beloved bald eagle, known for appearing on Big Bear Valley’s Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, was rescued from near Dana Point Park, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, where she was “found grounded and unable to fly.”
The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie has been receiving around-the-clock veterinary care, in its previous update on July 31, had said the eagle’s recent bloodwork shows modest improvement, though she continues to battle severe anemia.
Describing the case as “complex,” the center had said veterinarians have ruled out several possible causes of Jackie’s illness, and though questions remain, her condition was improving. It added Jackie had a long road to recovery and is still “a very sick patient.”
What happened to Jackie?
“Initial bloodwork” had indicated the eagle “is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys,” the center said on July 21. Vets had begun “supportive treatment based on the information available,” with guidance from wildlife professionals globally.
Jackie, on July 20, received a “life-saving” blood transfusion from another eagle and underwent oxygen therapy as part of her treatment. She also continues to receive treatments to support her body while veterinarians monitor her condition with daily blood tests as they work to determine the cause of her illness. She also received treatment for rodenticide toxicity, which occurs when humans or non-target animals ingest rat or mouse poisons.
Extensive testing has ruled out several possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects such as fishing hooks. Jackie has also received treatment for possible rodenticide poisoning, although caregivers do not believe that is the primary cause of her illness.
On July 23, wildlife agencies said test results show Jackie does not have lead poisoning, a common killer among bald eagles and other birds. Though they are giving her treatment for rodenticide poisoning, they don’t believe that’s what she has.
‘Strong and mighty eagle’
Despite the severity of her condition, Jackie remained “alert and is eating,” the center said July 21. FOBBV said on July 21 that Jackie continues to be fierce and “is mad and fighting the staff.”
“That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle,” the nonprofit said. “She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own. She is still standing up and perching.”
Contributing: Michelle Del Rey, Anthony Thompson, Amanda Lee Myers, Julia Gomez, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.