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Jackie the bald eagle update: Big Bear eagle suffers health setback; Ojai center says, 'We wish we had better news'
Jackie, the famous Big Bear bald eagle, is in critical condition again after her blood values dropped.
Jackie, the world-famous bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, California remains in critical condition after suffering another medical setback.
Jackie's blood values drop again, remains in intensive care
Wildlife veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center said Friday that Jackie's blood values have declined again, leaving the eagle in critical condition as specialists continue searching for the cause of her mysterious illness, as per Desert Sun. The update comes after a series of ups and downs in Jackie's recovery, which has been closely followed by thousands of eagle fans.
Jackie, identified by caregivers as “Bald Eagle 26-519,” has been receiving treatment in Ventura County since mid-July after she was rescued near her Big Bear nesting territory following an altercation with two juvenile eagles.
Jackie is also identified by the center as Patient 26-519 and continues to receive intensive care that includes oxygen therapy, supportive treatment and around-the-clock monitoring.
According to Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen, Jackie's packed cell volume, a measurement of red blood cells in the bloodstream, has now fallen below 10%, a level veterinarians say is dangerously low.
“We are sorry to share that today’s update is not positive,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in an update on social media.
The center added that Jackie's blood values have declined again, with her packed cell volume (PCV) falling below 10%, and her condition remains critical. This update follows news earlier in the week that her PCV level had dropped to 13%, showing her anemia had worsened.
Vets awaiting results from advanced tests on Jackie
Veterinarians continue to pursue answers through advanced diagnostics. This week, Jackie underwent a contrast CT scan and a bone marrow biopsy, procedures that officials say have already provided important new information. However, additional specialized testing remains pending, including further heavy metal analysis, as per Desert Sun.
The center said its veterinary team is working with experts from across the country, including specialists at UC Davis, the University of Georgia, and avian veterinarians in Northern California, as they review new findings and determine next steps in her treatment.
As per ABC 7, the center said, “This week's contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending. Our veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists across the country as we evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in her care.”
After Jackie was discovered grounded near Big Bear Lake and rescued three weeks ago, experts said she was anemic with inflammation affecting her kidneys. She had earlier received a life-saving blood transfusion from a fellow female eagle named Spirit, a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield, as per ABC 7.
“We know how deeply many of you care about this eagle, and we understand how difficult it is to receive an update like this,” they continued. “We wish we had better news to share," center said. "Every decision that we make continuous to be guided by her medical condition, her welfare, and what is in her best interest.”
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What happened to Jackie and her Big Bear family?
Jackie was last seen at her nest near Fawnskin on July 12, before people became concerned about her health. On July 17, she was rescued after an incident involving two younger eagles near the Big Bear nesting area she shares with her longtime mate, Shadow. Cellphone video showed Jackie defending herself with her talons before she became unable to fly far from the area, as per The Desert Sun.
She was first treated by wildlife rescuers before being transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center for specialized care. Since arriving at the center, Jackie has undergone extensive testing and treatment as veterinarians work to understand why she became ill.
Jackie is one half of the well-known bald eagle pair featured on Friends of Big Bear Valley's live nest camera with Shadow. And Shadow was recently seen perching in a nearby tree.
