Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, California, has suffered a health setback after an apparent attack by two other eagles.
New blood tests showed Jackie's anemia worsened signaling a decline in her condition after more than two weeks of treatment, according to a Facebook update Monday from the Ojai Raptor Center, the wildlife rescue facility caring for her.
The center said its veterinary team is conducting additional testing to better understand Jackie’s condition and guide her treatment.
"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," the Ojai Raptor Center said, thanking the public for its "continued encouragement and support."
Hatched around 2012, Jackie became the first chick successfully raised in a recorded nest in the Big Bear Valley area. She gained worldwide fame through the 24/7 Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest Cam, which has followed her life with longtime mate Shadow and their eaglet-raising journey, attracting millions of fans over the years.
Jackie was rescued July 17 near Big Bear Lake after an apparent altercation with two subadult eagles over a fish which left her grounded and unable to fly.
Initial blood tests showed Jackie was suffering from severe anemia and kidney inflammation. Veterinarians began supportive treatment based on the available information, with guidance from wildlife experts around the world to determine the cause of her illness.
On July 20, Jackie received a “life-saving” blood transfusion from another eagle, underwent oxygen therapy, and continued receiving care as veterinarians monitored her condition through daily blood tests.
She was also treated for possible rodenticide toxicity, though caregivers said they did not believe poisoning was the main cause of her illness. Tests have since ruled out other possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and injuries from metal objects, according to the center.
Despite her serious condition, Jackie is showing signs of recovery. The Ojai Raptor Center said July 21 that she was "alert and is eating," while Friends of Big Bear Valley said she remained "mad and fighting the staff."
"That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle," the nonprofit wrote in a Facebook post. "She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own. She is still standing up and perching."
Last week, the Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie had shown modest improvement despite her “complex” medical case but warned she still had a long road ahead and remained "a very sick patient."
As Jackie’s recovery continues to draw attention, the Ojai Raptor Center urged the public and media to be cautious of misinformation and AI-generated deepfakes about her condition. The center also asked people to respect the care team’s time, noting that an influx of calls, messages and visits, including contacts through personal social media accounts and at staff members’ homes, has created distractions from patient care.
“Wildlife medicine requires concentration, careful decision making, and often long hours of uninterrupted work. Every unnecessary interruption takes time and focus away from the animals depending on us,” the center said Tuesday.
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