BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — While supporters continue waiting for news on Jackie’s condition, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) said Wednesday evening that Shadow continues to care for and protect the couple’s young eaglets as the beloved Big Bear bald eagle remains under specialized veterinary care.
According to an update shared Wednesday, July 22, the Ojai Raptor Center contacted Friends of Big Bear Valley but had no new medical information to report on Jackie.
“Ojai Raptor Center reached out to us today with no update available,” the organization wrote. “I know that is difficult to hear, but they did say Jackie has a team of specialists working on her case. She has the best of the best and that is all we can hope for now.”
FOBBV said the rehabilitation center will provide another update as soon as new information becomes available. The organization also said the Ojai Raptor Center understands how much Jackie means to supporters around the world.
“They also mentioned they are aware of how important Jackie is to not only the FOBBV team, but her entire eagle family.”
Jackie has been receiving specialized treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center since she was rescued Saturday after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. Earlier this week, the rehabilitation center reported that initial bloodwork showed she is suffering from severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys. Additional bloodwork and diagnostic testing remain pending as veterinarians continue searching for the underlying cause of her illness.
The Ojai Raptor Center has previously said Jackie remains alert and is eating but emphasized that her condition remains critical and it is still too early to predict the outcome.
While Jackie continues her fight, Shadow has remained at the nest caring for the couple’s two eaglets, Sandy and Luna.
“Shadow continues to care for, feed and protect Sandy and Luna. He has also been protecting the nest area from the other subadult eagles in the area,” FOBBV wrote.
The organization said the eaglets are becoming more adventurous as they mature.
“Sandy and Luna seem to be exploring further out around the habitat, staying off camera for periods of time, but they do visit the nest daily, so we know they are doing fantastic.”
FOBBV also shared that Shadow was observed Wednesday afternoon confronting a subadult bald eagle on the Twin Pines perch.
“It looked like Shadow had a lot to say about the subadult being on his perch tree,” the organization wrote, adding that while it was difficult to identify the visitor because of the distance, it was possibly the same 4-year-old-or-older female that had been seen in a brief skirmish with Jackie before her rescue.
The organization also addressed questions many supporters have asked about whether Shadow could seek another mate while Jackie is away.
According to FOBBV, an eagle expert at a rescue center said the strong bond between Jackie and Shadow makes that unlikely.
“The expert stated that due to the incredible bond Jackie and Shadow have, it would be unlikely for him to move on now. That he won’t likely be looking for a mate until his hormones kick in.”
FOBBV noted that Shadow is still a wild eagle and that his future behavior cannot be predicted. “But again, Shadow will do what Shadow wants to, and we have no say so in the matter.”
The organization said it hopes to provide another medical update on Jackie as soon as the Ojai Raptor Center has additional information to share.
Supporters wishing to help Jackie and other injured birds of prey can donate to the organizations involved in her rehabilitation.
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
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