OJAI, Calif., July 24 (Our California Times) — Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, is still in critical care after receiving a life-saving blood transfusion, but her caregivers say she is showing signs of improvement.
For readers following the much-watched Big Bear nest, the key update is that Jackie is not out of danger yet. The Ojai Raptor Center said she remains severely anemic and that veterinarians are still working to find the cause of her illness. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie also underwent a CT scan, and there were no obvious signs of cancer or metals in her body.
What veterinarians have ruled out so far
The rehab team said testing has not shown lead toxicosis, which is poisoning from lead exposure. They also said they have not found foreign objects such as fishing hooks, lines, weights or other metal items. Jackie’s kidney inflammation appears to have improved, and caregivers said she is eating well, perching and appears bright and strong.
Even with those signs of progress, the center and the nonprofit both described her condition as serious. The Ojai Raptor Center said it is still too early to give a reliable prognosis.
Why the blood transfusion mattered
Jackie’s transfusion was made possible with help from Spirit, the resident bald eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield, according to the rehabilitation team. In plain terms, a blood transfusion is used when an animal’s body needs help carrying oxygen. That is especially important in severe anemia, when there are not enough red blood cells.
The update is encouraging because it shows Jackie is responding to intensive treatment. But it does not mean the underlying problem has been found.
What remains unknown
The biggest unanswered question is still what caused Jackie to become sick. The Ojai Raptor Center said it continues to gather diagnostic information. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie is stable while the team waits for test results.
That caution matters because a bird can look alert and still be in critical condition if the original illness is not yet understood.
What is happening at the nest
While Jackie is being treated, Friends of Big Bear Valley said her mate, Shadow, has been caring for Sandy and Luna and protecting the nest and territory. The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation said its San Dimas Raptor Rescue team rescued Jackie early Saturday morning and took her to a rehabilitation facility.
For people watching the Big Bear nest, the situation is a mix of worry and hope: Jackie is still in serious condition, but caregivers say she is making some progress while the search for the cause continues.
