BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) Eagle Nest Cam, remains in critical condition as veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center continue searching for the underlying cause of her illness, according to an update released Tuesday afternoon.
The Ojai Raptor Center shared the update at approximately 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, saying the eagle, identified as patient 26-519, is still awaiting additional bloodwork and diagnostic test results while receiving around-the-clock veterinary care.
“We know many of you have been waiting for an update on Bald Eagle patient 26-519, and we’re grateful for your patience and support,” the organization wrote.
According to the center, initial bloodwork indicates Jackie is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys. Veterinarians are still working to determine the underlying cause, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic test results remain pending.
“In the meantime, our veterinary team has begun supportive treatment based on the information available, and we are grateful for the collaboration and expert guidance being offered by wildlife professionals from around the world,” the center stated.
The Ojai Raptor Center emphasized that although Jackie remains alert and continues to eat, her condition remains serious.
“Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case. While the eagle remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome.”
The latest update comes after Friends of Big Bear Valley reported Tuesday morning that Jackie had more energy, was standing and perching, and was eating well with assistance while beginning to pick up food on her own. The organization also said X-rays showed no fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects, while laboratory testing continued to determine whether lead, zinc or rodenticide exposure may have contributed to her condition.
Jackie was rescued Saturday after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. Before she was rescued, she was observed in a brief altercation with two subadult bald eagles. While many supporters have questioned whether that encounter may have contributed to her condition, veterinarians have not determined the underlying cause of her illness, and diagnostic testing is ongoing.
According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, local residents and visitors remained with Jackie after she became grounded, helping protect her while repeatedly seeking assistance. One individual ultimately alerted the San Bernardino County Fire Department station in Fawnskin, prompting Captain Dennis Jones and his crew to respond. Firefighters remained with Jackie for several hours, protecting her from wildlife and human interference until the Los Angeles County Parks Department’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team arrived around 2 a.m. Jackie was later transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she continues receiving specialized veterinary care.
The Ojai Raptor Center said wildlife medicine takes time and cautioned that some answers simply cannot be rushed.
“As we learn more about this patient’s condition, we will continue to share meaningful updates with you,” the organization said.
The nonprofit also renewed its request for the public and members of the media not to call, text or email its emergency hotline, hospital or administrative offices requesting updates.
“We kindly ask the public and members of the media to help us by allowing our veterinary and rehabilitation teams to remain focused on patient care,” the organization wrote. “We will continue to share official updates on our social media channels and website as we have meaningful new information to report.”
The Ojai Raptor Center also noted that specialized wildlife medicine is only possible because of public support. Those wishing to help Jackie and other injured birds of prey can support the organizations involved in her rescue and rehabilitation through the following donation campaigns:
Ojai Raptor Center – Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign:
https://ojairaptorcenter.networkforgood.com/projects/303440-bald-eagle-rehabilitation-campaign
San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team:
https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_14d0c638-f3e3-11ed-b74e-0a58a9feac02&WidgetId=202752
Friends of Big Bear Valley has encouraged supporters to follow the Ojai Raptor Center and San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team on social media for verified updates while allowing veterinary staff and wildlife rehabilitators to remain focused on Jackie’s care.
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