OJAI, Calif., July 24 (Our California Times) — Jackie, the well-known Big Bear bald eagle, is still in critical care after receiving a blood transfusion, according to the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley. Caregivers said the transfusion appears to have helped, but they are still trying to figure out what made her so sick in the first place.
For a reader trying to understand the basics: a blood transfusion is used when an animal is dangerously low on healthy blood cells. In Jackie’s case, caregivers said she remains severely anemic, which means her body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen normally.
What veterinarians have ruled out so far
The rehabilitation team said testing has not shown lead toxicosis, and scans have not shown obvious foreign objects such as fishing hooks, line, weights or other metal items. Friends of Big Bear Valley also said Jackie underwent a CT scan and there were no obvious signs of cancer or metals in her body.
The Ojai Raptor Center has said Jackie’s kidney inflammation appears to be improving. Caregivers also reported that she is eating well, perching and is alert enough that they described her as “bright and strong.”
Even with those signs of progress, the center has said the case is still too early for a reliable prognosis. In other words, her condition is serious, and the team has not yet identified the underlying cause.
Who helped make the transfusion possible?
Caregivers said the transfusion was made possible with help from Spirit, the resident bald eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The source material did not say more about the procedure, but the update shows how wildlife care can depend on cooperation between rehabilitation facilities.
How Jackie’s family is doing
Friends of Big Bear Valley, which monitors the nest through a live stream, said Jackie had not been seen for days at the nest she shares with her mate, Shadow. The nonprofit said Shadow is continuing to care for and feed the couple’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, while also protecting the nest and territory from other subadult eagles in the area.
The nonprofit and an expert quoted in ABC7 coverage said Sandy and Luna are old enough to fly and fend for themselves with help from Shadow.
Why the case is still open
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation said its San Dimas Raptor Rescue team found Jackie early Saturday morning and took her for treatment. From there, the Ojai Raptor Center continued testing and supportive care while trying to narrow down the cause of her illness.
That slow process is common in wildlife medicine. The center said some answers cannot be rushed, and Jackie’s latest updates show why: even when one problem, such as anemia, is treated, veterinarians still have to work backward to find what caused it.
For now, the clearest picture is that Jackie is still seriously ill, but caregivers say she is showing some improvement after the transfusion and other treatment.
