Bald eagle Jackie rescue leaves her in critical condition
A bald eagle Jackie rescue near Big Bear left the viral nest-cam star in critical condition at California's Ojai Raptor Center after a fight with two younger eagles. Rescuers say she is alert and eating but faces severe anemia and kidney inflammation while further tests continue.
Friends of Big Bear Valley and wildlife caregivers now believe the injured bird is likely Jackie, one half of the livestream duo with partner Shadow, after reviewing public photos and rehab footage. She has no tracking band, so identification took longer than fans hoped. For more odd animal and viral wildlife stories, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles County's San Dimas Raptor Rescue team pulled an injured bald eagle from the Big Bear area early Saturday after a clash with two other eagles.
- The Ojai Raptor Center calls the case very serious: severe anemia, kidney inflammation, and ongoing toxin screening.
- Jackie arrived lethargic and underweight with no clear physical trauma, yet she remains alert and is eating.
- Shadow and eaglets Luna and Sandy can manage for now; Jackie may need weeks or longer before any return.
What happened in the bald eagle Jackie rescue?
According to ABC7 Los Angeles, Jackie had been missing from the Big Bear nest for several days before the rescue. Friends of Big Bear Valley said a Fawnskin resident spotted an eagle believed to be Jackie in an altercation with two subadult eagles in the lake near the nest.
Cellphone video showed she could fend off the younger birds by flipping and using her talons, but she could not fly far away. County video also captured an injured bald eagle struggling out of the water. The San Dimas Raptor Rescue team with the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation completed the rescue early Saturday and transferred her for wildlife rehabilitation care.
Jenny Voisard of Friends of Big Bear Valley said the attackers appeared to want her fish and possibly her territory. After fireworks, Jackie had been scarce at the nest, though she visited on the 12th looking quite hungry.
Why is Jackie still in critical condition?
The Ojai Raptor Center, labeling her Bald Eagle patient 26-519 in an earlier update cited by ABC News, reports severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys. Staff have begun supportive treatment and say more testing is needed before they can name a root cause.
Eliza Cameron of the center said Jackie arrived lethargic and underweight with no signs of physical trauma. Kristine Koh of San Dimas Raptor Rescue described her as very weak, with disheveled feathers and low weight. Clinicians are checking zinc, rodenticide, and lead levels—toxins that wildlife biologists say often compromise otherwise strong adult eagles.
“Wildlife medicine takes time, and some answers simply cannot be rushed,” the center said, promising meaningful updates as results arrive.
What happens next for Shadow and the eaglets?
Jackie and Shadow rose to fame on the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest cam. They welcomed eaglets Sandy and Luna in April 2026. U.S. Geological Survey wildlife biologist Dr. Todd Katzner told ABC7 those chicks are old enough to fly and fend for themselves with help from Shadow.
Rescuers caution it could take weeks—or longer—before Jackie might return. Fans and donors are supporting the rehab centers while the nest cam community waits for the next confirmed medical update on the bald eagle Jackie rescue.