OJAI, Calif., July 24 (Our California Times) — Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, is still in critical care after receiving a life-saving blood transfusion, but caregivers say the treatment has bought time while they keep searching for the cause of her illness.
For people following the birds in Big Bear Valley, the main takeaway is simple: a transfusion can stabilize an animal that is severely anemic, but it does not explain why the emergency happened in the first place. Jackie’s care team at the Ojai Raptor Center says she remains seriously ill, even as some signs have improved.
What the caregivers have said
The Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie’s kidney inflammation appears to have improved. Caregivers also reported that she is eating, perching, and acting “bright and strong,” but they said she is still severely anemic and too sick for a reliable prognosis.
Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie underwent a CT scan that did not show obvious signs of cancer or metals in her body. The nonprofit also said the medical team has not found clear evidence of lead toxicosis or foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line, weights, or other metal items.
How the transfusion happened
Caregivers said the transfusion was made possible with help from Spirit, the resident bald eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The donation of blood from another bald eagle is what allowed Jackie to receive the treatment.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation said its San Dimas Raptor Rescue team rescued Jackie early Saturday morning and took her to a rehabilitation facility for treatment. The bird was later found on the ground near Big Bear Lake, according to the rescue updates relayed by her care team.
Why the missing cause matters
Veterinarians are still trying to determine what made Jackie sick. The Ojai Raptor Center has said the case is still too early for a dependable prognosis. That means the transfusion and the latest improvements are encouraging, but they do not yet tell the full story.
In wildlife care, that uncertainty is common. A bird can improve after emergency treatment while doctors keep working through tests, scans, and lab results to rule out injuries, toxins, or disease.
What is happening at the nest
While Jackie remains under care, Friends of Big Bear Valley says her mate, Shadow, is looking after their eaglets, Sandy and Luna, and protecting the nest and territory. The nonprofit, which monitors the nest through a live stream, said Shadow is continuing to feed and defend the young birds in Jackie’s absence.
For now, the family’s immediate future depends on two things: whether Jackie keeps improving in care, and whether veterinarians can identify what caused the crisis in the first place.
