"Cases like this can be incredibly complex," the Ojai Raptor Center said.Show Caption
Beloved bald eagle Jackie is stable and slowly recovering as she remains in rehab about 170 miles from her home in California's Big Bear Valley, with veterinarians working to solve the mysterious illness ailing her.Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie has received around-the-clock care in an intensive care unit for more than a week, said in a July 27 Facebook post that the bald eagle's condition "remains stable but critical" and that she "is receiving several prophylactic treatments to help support her body." However, "despite extensive diagnostic testing and consultation with experienced wildlife veterinarians," the center said it still does not have a "definitive diagnosis.""Cases like this can be incredibly complex, and we will continue adjusting her treatment as new information becomes available," the center said.After getting a "life-saving" blood transfusion from another eagle, Jackie showed "encouraging improvement." But on Saturday, July 25, "she experienced a setback" when "her blood values declined again," according to the center."Since then, she has improved once more," the facility said, noting "she is eating on her own, her energy and alertness have noticeably improved, and she has become much more feisty during feedings."The center said that one of the most encouraging changes they've seen in Jackie is her packed cell volume, or the percentage of red blood cells in her bloodstream. That figure was at 8% before the weekend, but it had improved to 16% by Monday."While this remains below normal, it is an encouraging improvement, and we will continue to monitor her bloodwork daily as we keep a close eye on her progress," the center added.Jackie's journey from rescue to recoveryJackie the bald eagle, known for appearing on Big Bear Valley's Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, was seen in an "altercation" with two subadult eagles on July 17, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which manages the popular nest cam."Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly far away," the nonprofit stated on Facebook.While the eagle was able to defend itself, it did not get far and was seen on the ground near Dana Point Park, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, where it was rescued.Over the next few days, Jackie has been rehabilitating while being further assessed at Ojai Raptor Center, miles from the nest she built with her partner, Shadow. Though she was taken to the center following a fight with the two subadult eagles, her caregivers believe she has an underlying illness.The center, in a July 21 Facebook post, said that while the results of some "important tests" are awaited, "initial bloodwork indicates that the eagle is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys." The center added that its veterinary team has begun "supportive treatment based on the information available," with guidance from wildlife professionals globally. She also received treatment for rodenticide toxicity, which occurs when humans or non-target animals ingest rat or mouse poisons.Jackie has not lost her spiritDespite the severity of her condition, Jackie remained "alert and is eating," the center had said. FOBBV said on July 21 that Jackie continues to be fierce and "is mad and fighting the staff.""That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle," the nonprofit said. "She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own. She is still standing up and perching."On July 23, wildlife agencies said test results show Jackie does not have lead poisoning, a common killer among bald eagles and other birds. Though they are giving her treatment for rodenticide poisoning, they don't believe that's what she has.There are also no signs of cancer or metals, like fishing hooks. Wildlife officials are still awaiting test results that would show whether she has zinc toxicity, which could be caused if Jackie ingested items including pennies and zinc-coated fencing or wires.Jackie's story changes future for species, says centerJackie and Shadow have garnered fans over several years as they have watched the bald eagle couple raise their young in Big Bear Valley, a 15-mile-long valley in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. Many of the pair's fans have been glued to social media for updates as Jackie recoups.Ojai Raptor Center, in a July 28 post, said regardless of what happens, "Jackie’s story has changed the future" of these magnificent species."Millions of people around the world have followed Jackie’s life through the nest cameras," the center said. "They celebrated her victories, worried through her challenges, and ultimately came together to help protect the place she calls home. That may become one of the most meaningful outcomes of her story."Referring to bald eagles as "more than magnificent birds," the center said they are "keystone species and important indicators of ecosystem health." The birds, also referred to as raptors, are also threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, it added."One bald eagle inspired millions of people to protect the future of an entire ecosystem," the center said. "The result is far bigger than one nest or one eagle: generations of bald eagles, and all the wildlife that depends on this landscape can continue to thrive. That is the true power of conservation."Fans of the animals can tune in to see if the eaglets return on the Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam Facebook page, or watch live on the organization's website or YouTube channel.Contributing: Michelle Del Rey, Amanda Lee Myers / USA TODAYJulia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
