BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle recovering at the Ojai Raptor Center, has reached another encouraging milestone after being moved out of the facility’s intensive care unit, according to an update released Wednesday, July 29.
The Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie, identified in its records as Bald Eagle patient 26-519, continues to receive around-the-clock veterinary care but has improved enough to be transferred from the intensive care unit, where she had been receiving oxygen therapy, to one of the center’s regular hospital care units.
“We’re pleased to share that she has now been moved from our intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to one of our regular hospital care units,” the rehabilitation center said in a written statement.
While the move marks a significant step in Jackie’s recovery, the organization emphasized that she remains seriously ill.
“While this marks an encouraging milestone, she remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring. This is an encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger.”
Jackie has been receiving specialized veterinary care at the Ojai Raptor Center since she was rescued earlier this month after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake.
Veterinarians have been working to determine the underlying cause of her severe anemia. Last week, Jackie underwent a life-saving blood transfusion made possible through a donation from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) in Bakersfield.
Earlier this week, the Ojai Raptor Center reported Jackie experienced a setback when her blood values declined over the weekend before improving again. Veterinarians said she has been eating on her own, showing more energy and becoming increasingly feisty during feedings while her packed cell volume, an important measure of red blood cells, has improved.
Despite extensive diagnostic testing and consultations with wildlife specialists, the underlying cause of Jackie’s illness has not yet been identified.
In a separate post shared Wednesday, the Ojai Raptor Center also addressed one of the questions it has received most frequently during Jackie’s recovery: why the organization refers to her as “Bald Eagle patient 26-519” instead of by the name Jackie.
According to the rehabilitation center, as a facility licensed by both the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, it must comply with California wildlife rehabilitation regulations governing how native wildlife patients are publicly identified.
The center cited California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 679.5, which requires rehabilitation animals appearing in public photos, videos or updates to be identified only by their intake number, common species or scientific name.
“As a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, we are legally obligated to follow the regulations that accompany our permits,” the organization explained.
The Ojai Raptor Center said each animal admitted to its hospital is assigned a unique intake number that remains with the patient throughout treatment. The number allows veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators to accurately track medical records, medications, diagnostic testing, treatments and daily progress.
The organization acknowledged that many patients arrive already known to the public by name and understands the emotional connection supporters have with those names.
“While names may capture our hearts, our focus is always on providing exceptional medical care and returning every wild patient to where they belong — back in the wild.”
The Ojai Raptor Center thanked the thousands of supporters who have followed Jackie’s recovery and expressed appreciation for the encouragement received from around the world.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support, encouragement, and kindness shown to our team throughout her care. Your messages on social media truly mean a great deal to all of us.”
The rehabilitation center again asked supporters and members of the media to refrain from calling, texting, emailing or visiting the facility for updates so its small veterinary team can remain focused on patient care.
“We will continue sharing meaningful updates through our official social media channels as new information becomes available,” the organization said.
Those wishing to support Jackie’s continued care and the treatment of other injured birds of prey can donate to the Ojai Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign:
Ojai Raptor Center – Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign:
https://ojairaptorcenter.networkforgood.com/projects/303440-bald-eagle-rehabilitation-campaign
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