Big Bear Bald Eagle Healing At Raptor Center, Receives Transfusion From 'Spirit'

BIG BEAR, CA — The beloved Big Bear bald eagle known as Jackie remains at a raptor care facility in Ojai as the details of her medical mysteries unfold. Since being found grounded in the lake one week ago, the eagle mom remains under the care of some of the finest wildlife veterinarians in the state.

Fans of the Friends of Big Bear Valley Bald Eagle Nest cam have watched Jackie, with her mate Shadow, lay clutches of eggs, feed and protect their eaglets until they fledge and fly away. But through all of the perils and pitfalls of watching nature in action, from raided eggs to eaglets succumbing to the harsh winters, with Jackie hospitalized, this year proves to have the most at stake.

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Jackie remains in critical condition.

Multiple agencies have lent their assistance, from the Big Bear Fire Department to the California Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield, and now to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she currently is under medical care.

Eliza Cameron, Ojai Raptor Center Hospital and Rehabilitation Manager, spoke on Jackie and her current condition.

"Bald eagle 26-519 (Jackie's) initial testing has allowed us to rule out several potential causes, including the presence of foreign items, such as lead," Cameron shared in a news update. Jackie has been treated for rodenticides, even though they do not believe that is the issue. Though her initial kidney inflammation has improved, she remains anemic, and they are unable to determine why.

"Jackie continues to be alert, perching, eating both assisted and on her own, and her energy is improving, and she is being feisty with the staff," a Friends of Big Bear Valley naturalist said.

Since arriving at the center, Jackie has received a blood transfusion from another bald eagle, Spirit, a resident of the California Animal Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield. She received a CT scan at the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, another supporter in her care.

Multiple specialists have been consulted since her arrival, and the rehabilitation teams have asked all to wait for updates until there is more to tell. "Wildlife medicine requires patience as some answers take time," Cameron said.

The center receives no outside funding. They do accept support from donations, and since Jackie's arrival, almost 14,000 people have already donated, according to the website. "Donations to this campaign will support the care of this patient while strengthening our ability to provide exceptional care for future bald eagles and other raptors that need our help."

Shadow, meanwhile, is manning the nest.

Shadow stands watch, chases away or flirts with subadult eagles, and guards from intruders with his two juvenile eagles born this spring, Sandy and Luna. All three have been seen in the nest on Thursday.

Mostly, the nest is empty at present.

What happens next, as since the nest cams were installed, we can only observe.

Jackie, meanwhile, is resting, eating, and healing in Ojai at the Raptor Center. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Center, this is the best place she could be while vets attempt to figure out how best to help her heal.

"Another update is scheduled for Monday. While we are encouraged by the dedication and collaboration surrounding this case, it is still too early to predict the outcome."

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