‘We wish we had better news’: Jackie the bald eagle’s condition worsens as her blood count drops below 10%

Jackie, the bald eagle and longtime mate of Shadow, is in intensive care after a “particularly difficult” night on Thursday, August 6, with her condition worsening as her red blood cell count falls below 10%.

The Ojai Raptor Center said Friday that it wished it had better news to share about Jackie’s health. “We wish we had better news to share. Every decision that we make continues to be guided by her medical condition, her welfare, and what is in her best interest,” Ojai Raptor Center said in a video posted to Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ojai Raptor Center (@ojairaptorcenter)

The eagle is currently receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and round-the-clock monitoring as veterinarians continue to investigate the cause of her deteriorating condition.

Jackie’s packed cell volume, a measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in the bloodstream, has fallen further to below 10%. The figure had already dropped to 13% last week, from 17% previously.

“This week's contrast CT scan and the bone marrow biopsy have provided our veterinary team with important new information, but we do not yet have the complete picture,” the Ojai Raptor Center said.

The veterinary team is now preparing to conduct additional specialized testing, including further testing for heavy metals. Until more is known, the center said its immediate priority remains providing Jackie with supportive care while veterinarians assess the findings from this week’s tests.

Jackie, the eagle mate of Shadow, was last seen at the family nest in Fawnskin on Sunday, July 12, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s tree top cameras.

Five days later, on July 17, Jackie arrived at the Ojai Raptor Center after the already ill eagle became involved in a ground altercation with two juvenile eagles.

Since arriving at the center, Jackie’s condition has fluctuated, with periods of improvement followed by serious setbacks.

The latest decline has raised further concern as veterinarians work to determine what is causing her critically low red blood cell levels. The results of the CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided new clues, but the center said more testing is needed before the veterinary team has a complete understanding of what is happening.