'Recovery Could Take Months' Beloved Big Bear Bald Eagle Still Recovering In Ojai

BIG BEAR, CA — Big Bear's beloved bald eagle known as Jackie remains at the Ojai Raptor Center, undergoing daily tests as wildlife veterinarians attempt to learn what is making her sick.

Saturday marks 14 days since Jackie, also known as Patient 26-519, arrived at the center after being grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake, said Chris Eksteen, Executive Director and spokesperson for the center, in a video news release. Though her encounter with the subadult eagles left her grounded, he says that "she has been unwell for some time before she was found. She has undergone a battery of tests, and doctors have a plan for continued monitoring, he says.

"Over the past two weeks, our veterinary team, together with specialists from across the country, has worked tirelessly to better understand this complex case. While we've made important progress and ruled out several potential causes, there are still many unanswered questions."

"Her recovery could take weeks, or even months," he said. "Every day brings new challenges but also more opportunities to help her."

This week, she has moved from intensive care to a regular care unit. "While this marks an encouraging milestone, she remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring," Eksteen said.

Friday's bloodwork continues to show anemia, although her packed cell volume (PCV) has improved to 17%. She remains stable, but she is still a very sick patient and has a long recovery road ahead.

"We will keep telling you the truth about her condition, the good and the bad," a spokesperson for the center said.

Jackie remains wearing a "tail guard," which sandwiches around her tail feathers, keeping those important feathers from getting broken during her recovery. She also wears "carpal" guards to protect her "shoulders" during rehabilitation.

If you would like to support Ojai Raptor Center's work, please visit our website or the Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign link in our bio. Your generosity helps us provide specialized care for this patient while strengthening our ability to care for future Bald Eagles and the hundreds of other wild birds that arrive at Ojai Raptor Center each year.

There are currently 91 wildlife patients in the care of the Ojai Raptor Center; among them are young barn owls and red-shouldered hawks, and a young Cooper's hawk, to name a few. With support from generous donations, each is receiving the best quality care.

For more information, visit the Ojai Raptor Center on Facebook to learn more.

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