Jackie the bald eagle from Big Bear Lake remains critically ill despite a small improvement in her bloodwork, according to the Ojai Raptor Center.
On Sunday afternoon, Raptor Center staff in Ventura County said the past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult for Bald Eagle 26-519, also known as Jackie, the mate of Shadow.
“Patient 26-519 remains critically ill, and her condition is currently unstable,” the center stated. “Yesterday, her packed cell volume (PCV) fell below 6%. Today it has risen to 9%.”
Raptor Center officials said while bloodwork shows a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low and her overall condition remains “extremely serious.”
“Her care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, together with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,” the Raptor Center stated.
Staff added that on Sunday, there was no further medical update they could provide, and that their entire focus remains on the eagle’s welfare and providing the care she needs.
“Every decision continues to be guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest,” the center said. “We will share another update when we have meaningful information to provide.”
Jackie’s health
Jackie arrived at the center on July 17, 2026, after the already ill mama eagle was involved in a ground altercation with two juvenile eagles near Jackie and Shadow’s nest in Fawnskin in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Since then, the eagle’s health has been a roller coaster ride of improvements and setbacks, including the rise and decline of packed cell volume.
The eagle has also endured a battery of tests and treatments, including contrast CT scan, bone marrow biopsy. oxygen therapy, and other supportive treatments.
Friday’s update
On Friday, Aug. 7, the Raptor Center said the eagle’s health had taken another turn for the worse.
At that time, Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen said the eagle’s blood values had declined again, with her packed cell volume falling below 10%, and her condition remaining critical.
Jackie’s packed cell volume should ideally be above 30%, according to the Ojai Raptor Center.
On Friday, the eagle remained in intensive care, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring, Eksteen added.
“This week’s contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending,” Eksteen stated.
Some of that specialized testing includes further heavy metal analysis, he said.
The center’s onsite veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists from across the country, including those at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California, to evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in the eagle’s care.
Friends of Big Bear Valley
Soon after the Raptor Center’s announcement, Friends of Big Bear Valley took to Facebook to tell the public to please allow others to take in this information and comment on what they are feeling without judgment.
“Please be kind to each other in these emotional times,” FOBBV stated.
Since 2015, FOBBV has live-streamed activity 24/7 from Jackie and Shadow’s nest via Nest Cams, which sit atop a nearly 145-foot Jeffrey pine tree.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Jackie the eagle’s health extremely serious despite small improvement
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
