The outlook for Jackie, the world-famous bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, has taken another troubling turn.
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 a mysterious illness that has gripped her for weeks. The update comes after a series of encouraging and discouraging developments in Jackie’s recovery, which has been closely followed by thousands of Californians and eagle fans around the world.
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. Veterinarians say the encounter likely left her grounded but may not explain the underlying illness that has caused severe anemia and other health complications.
Big Bear eagle Jackie remains in intensive care after major setback
According to Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen, Jackie remains in intensive care receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment and around-the-clock monitoring.
The eagle’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. Wildlife experts have previously said they would like to see that number climb above 30% for a healthy recovery.
“We wish we had better news to share today,” the center said in its latest update, noting that Jackie experienced a particularly difficult night before the announcement.
The setback follows a roller-coaster recovery that included a lifesaving blood transfusion, brief signs of improvement and a move out of intensive care before her condition worsened again.
Ojai Raptor Center awaiting results from advanced tests
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.
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 the next steps in her treatment
While several possible causes have been ruled out during Jackie’s treatment, veterinarians have not publicly identified the source of her recurring anemia and kidney inflammation.
What happened to Jackie the bald eagle?
Jackie was last seen at her nest near Fawnskin on July 12 before concerns grew over her condition.
On July 17, she was rescued after an incident involving two younger eagles near the Big Bear nesting territory she shares with her longtime mate, Shadow. Cellphone video showed the adult eagle defending herself with her talons before becoming unable to fly far from the area. 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.
Shadow remains at nest as Sandy and Luna leave Big Bear Valley
While Jackie continues her fight for recovery, life around the famous Big Bear nest is changing.
Friends of Big Bear Valley reported that Shadow recently returned to one of his favorite perch trees overlooking the lake. The organization has also documented visits from several younger bald eagles in recent weeks, something officials say is common during the off-season.
Meanwhile, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, appear to have departed the valley. The nonprofit said its cameras last recorded the young eagles on July 23 and believes they have now begun their journey beyond the San Bernardino Mountains.
For now, supporters are once again waiting anxiously for news from Ventura County, where veterinarians say every decision regarding Jackie is being guided by her medical condition, welfare and best interests as they continue the search for answers.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle critical as blood levels drop again
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, USA TODAY NETWORK / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
