Big Bear bald eagle Jackie critically ill, unstable: Ojai Raptor Center
Jackie the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Lake remains critically ill despite a small improvement in her bloodwork, the Ojai Raptor Center said Sunday in its latest update.
Jackie, the beloved bald eagle in Southern California, is “currently unstable” and remains “critically ill,” the raptor center treating her said on Sunday, Aug. 9.
The Ojai Raptor Center said in a Facebook post that Jackie’s packed cell volume fell below 6% on Aug. 8 but rose to 9% on Aug. 9. “The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult,” the center said, adding that her condition remains “extremely serious.”
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. Extensive testing has ruled out several possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects such as fishing hooks.
The center has described the case as “complex.”
“Her care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, together with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” the center said.
An Aug. 7 post from the raptor center said that tests “provided important new information” but did not elaborate on what the bird’s care team discovered.
What happened to Jackie?
The beloved bald eagle, known for appearing on Big Bear Valley’s Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, was rescued following the altercation from near Dana Point Park, where she was “found grounded and unable to fly.”
“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 received a “life-saving” blood transfusion from another eagle on July 20 and underwent oxygen therapy as part of her treatment. She also received treatment for rodenticide toxicity, which occurs when humans or non-target animals ingest rat or mouse poisons, though caregivers do not believe that is the primary cause of her illness.
The eagle has been at the raptor center for roughly three weeks. During that time, the center has faced harassment and warned against AI-driven misinformation about Jackie.
What’s happening with the rest of the family?
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which manages the popular nest cam, said Jackie’s ill health marks a “season of uncertainty” for the beloved eagle family.
“This season certainly has had its ups and downs, sad times and good times,” FOBBV said Aug. 5.
Jackie’s partner, Shadow, meanwhile, is on “his summer vacation,” FOBBV said. “He has been and will likely continue to be seen on camera occasionally.”
Millions of fans are worried about the power couple’s fate after a new young female, believed to have attacked Jackie before her hospitalization, was seen perched with Shadow. Many on social media have nicknamed the new eagle “Jolene” after the Dolly Parton song.
But experts believe Shadow isn’t likely to be ready to move on from his life with Jackie. The pair have been together for nearly a decade and have shared eight eaglets.
Contributing: Michelle Del Rey, Anthony Thompson, Amanda Lee Myers, and Julia Gomez, USA TODAY