OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the popular Big Bear Valley nest-cam, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing round-the-clock care. Her latest reported blood test showed that her anemia had worsened, while doctors continued advanced testing to find the cause of her illness.
The center reported that Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low PCV is a sign of anemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry as much oxygen as it normally would.
The latest update followed an earlier improvement. Jackie’s PCV had risen from 8% to 16% after a blood transfusion and a weekend setback. At that point, the Ojai Raptor Center said she was eating on her own and showing more energy and alertness. The later decline to 13% indicated that the improvement had not held.
What is known about Jackie’s condition?
The Ojai Raptor Center has reported that Jackie is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys. Testing ruled out lead poisoning and foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line and weights, according to the center.
The underlying cause of the anemia has not been determined. The center said advanced diagnostic work and expedited laboratory testing were underway. The available updates do not provide a confirmed diagnosis, prognosis or expected release date.
Jackie received a blood transfusion during treatment. The donated blood came from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The Ojai Raptor Center described the transfusion as an important treatment milestone.
Why did her care level change?
The center previously reported that Jackie had moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. The Ojai Raptor Center also warned that she remained very sick and required intensive treatment and monitoring.
Because the later update described a drop in PCV and worsening anemia, it is not clear from the available information whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care. She continues to receive veterinary treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center.
How did Jackie arrive at the center?
The San Dimas Raptor Rescue team, part of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, rescued an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transported the bird to the Ojai Raptor Center.
The bird was described in one account as presumed to be Jackie. The available reports do not provide definitive identification details. Jackie had earlier been reported to have been involved in a fight with two other eagles in July.
The case connects wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts across California, from Big Bear Valley and Los Angeles County to Ojai and Bakersfield. It does not, by itself, establish a broader environmental trend or explain the cause of Jackie’s illness.
For now, the clearest update is mixed: Jackie has shown periods of improved energy, eating and alertness, but her latest bloodwork showed worsening anemia. The Ojai Raptor Center has not announced that she is out of danger.
