The recovery effort for Jackie, the famous bald eagle from Big Bear, has encountered a significant setback. Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center provided an update confirming that her health has declined since the initial treatment phase. Specifically, her bloodwork shows her packed cell volume has dropped to 13 percent, indicating that her anemia has become more severe.
Jackie and her partner, Shadow, have a large following due to the live webcam that broadcasts their nesting activities at Big Bear Lake. Millions of viewers have watched them raise eaglets over the last seven years. In mid-July, the eagle was attacked by two other birds near the lake and was found unable to fly. While she suffered no physical trauma from the attack, she is currently battling severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
She was briefly moved from the intensive care unit last week, which marked a temporary improvement in her condition. However, this recent bloodwork shows how fragile her state remains. The veterinary team is now conducting advanced diagnostic testing to determine how to proceed with her medical care. They emphasize that while the goal is a return to the wild, she is still considered a very sick patient.
The Ojai Raptor Center continues to monitor her condition around the clock. They are requesting support from the public to help fund the extensive medical procedures and long-term care required for her recovery. The team remains focused on stabilizing her health while exploring new treatment options to address these complications.