The Ojai Raptor Center delivered sobering news Monday: Big Bear‘s beloved bald eagle Jackie has suffered a setback in her fight against illness. “Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news,” the center said in a statement, accompanied by video of the eagle receiving treatment from a veterinary team.
Jackie’s packed cell volume has dropped to 13 percent, according to the center. That means her anemia has worsened since the last update. The wildlife center said its veterinary team is responding quickly, with additional advanced diagnostic testing underway. “Expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment,” the news release said. 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.
This setback follows a harrowing rescue. Experts initially said Jackie was anemic and had inflammation affecting her kidneys. She received a life-saving blood transfusion from another female eagle, Spirit, who lives at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield.
“We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support,” the Raptor Center said, referring to Jackie as “Patient 26-519.” They also asked the public and media to respect the veterinary team’s need for time and space. Jackie is one half of a cherished bald eagle couple, with her partner Shadow, known to many through Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live nest camera.