Big Bear bald eagle Jackie health update: Jackie remains critically ill after blood levels plunge below 6%; Ojai Raptor Center shares heartbreaking update as vets continue desperate search for answers

The health of Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, remains a major concern as veterinarians continue working to stabilize her after a severe drop in her blood levels. Jackie is currently receiving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center in California, where a team of specialists is closely monitoring her condition. Her latest bloodwork showed a small improvement, but doctors said she remains critically ill.

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Jackie’s blood levels remain dangerously low

The latest update from the Ojai Raptor Center revealed that Jackie’s packed cell volume (PCV) dropped below 6% before improving slightly to 9%. PCV measures the percentage of red blood cells in blood and is an important indicator of anemia. For bald eagles, a typical PCV range is around 35% to 55%.


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That means Jackie’s latest reading remains extremely low despite the slight improvement. “The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in its latest update.

The center added that although Jackie’s PCV had risen to 9%, her condition remained extremely serious. “While this is a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low and her overall condition remains extremely serious,” the center said.

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Jackie remains under intensive veterinary care

Jackie is being treated by a large veterinary team as specialists continue trying to understand what is causing her severe health problems.

The eagle has been diagnosed with severe anemia and kidney inflammation. Veterinarians have carried out extensive testing, including a CT scan and a bone marrow biopsy, in an effort to identify the underlying cause.

Her condition has fluctuated during her treatment, making the latest developments particularly concerning. The Ojai Raptor Center said there is currently no further medical update it can provide but emphasized that Jackie’s welfare remains the priority.

“At this time, there is no further medical update we can provide. Our entire focus remains on Patient 26-519's welfare and providing the care she needs.”

The center added: “Every decision continues to be guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest.”

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Jackie previously received a blood transfusion

Jackie’s treatment has already included a blood transfusion. On July 23, she received blood from Spirit, another female bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield.

The transfusion initially appeared to help. Jackie’s PCV increased from 8% to 16%, and her condition showed signs of improvement. Her PCV later reached 17% on July 31.

However, her blood levels subsequently started falling again. The decline has left veterinarians continuing to search for answers while providing supportive care and monitoring her closely.

What happened to Big Bear bald eagle Jackie?

Jackie was rescued in July after she was found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. She became especially well known through the Big Bear Valley nest camera, which allowed viewers to follow her life with her mate, Shadow, and watch their eaglets grow.

Jackie and Shadow had two eaglets this year, Sandy and Luna. The young birds were last seen around July 23 and are believed to have moved away from the nest as they become independent.

Jackie’s illness has since attracted widespread attention from people who have followed the bald eagle family over the years.

What happens next for Jackie?

For now, Jackie remains at the Ojai Raptor Center under intensive care.

Her PCV rising from below 6% to 9% provides a small positive development, but the number remains far below the normal range. Veterinarians therefore continue to describe her overall condition as extremely serious.

The latest Jackie bald eagle health update is a reminder that, despite the many people hoping for her recovery, she remains in a critical fight for her health.

The veterinary team continues to focus on stabilizing Jackie and determining why her blood levels have fallen so dramatically. For supporters of the Big Bear bald eagle Jackie, the coming days will remain closely watched as doctors continue her treatment.