OJAI, Calif., July 24 (Our California Times) — Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, is still in critical care after receiving a blood transfusion, but the latest updates from her caregivers show some improvement. In practical terms, that means she still needs close monitoring and treatment. The Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley say she remains severely anemic, though her kidney inflammation appears to have improved and she is eating, perching and alert.
What doctors have ruled out
Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie had a CT scan, a detailed imaging test, and there were no obvious signs of cancer or metal in her body. The rehabilitation team also said testing has not pointed to lead poisoning, and it did not find foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line, weights or other metal items.
How the transfusion happened
Caregivers said the blood transfusion was made possible with help from Spirit, the resident bald eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The team says the case is still too early for a reliable prognosis.
What the update means for the nest
Friends of Big Bear Valley, which monitors Jackie and Shadow’s nest through a live stream, said Jackie had not been seen there for days before the rescue. 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.
The nonprofit said Shadow has been caring for Sandy and Luna and protecting the nest and territory from other young eagles while Jackie is away.
What is still unknown
The biggest unanswered question is why Jackie became ill in the first place. The Ojai Raptor Center said veterinarians are still trying to identify the underlying cause, so even with the encouraging signs, Jackie is not out of danger yet.
