Jackie update: Critical after life-saving transfusion
In the latest Jackie update, the Big Bear bald eagle received a successful life-saving blood transfusion at the Ojai Raptor Center but remains in critical condition. Caregivers say she is eating, perching and brighter, while kidney inflammation has eased; her severe anemia continues and the outcome is still uncertain.
Key Takeaways
- Jackie got a successful transfusion from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield.
- She remains critical and severely anemic, though kidney inflammation has improved and she is eating and perching.
- Tests ruled out lead toxicosis and found no fishing gear, metals, or obvious cancer on a CT scan.
- Mate Shadow is guarding eaglets Sandy and Luna; an expert says he is unlikely to seek a new mate until late December or early January.
The beloved nest-cam star was rescued near Big Bear Lake over the weekend and is undergoing intensive care in Ojai. Vet teams believe she was already sick before witnesses saw her fight two younger eagles last week, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, which runs the livestream, and the Ojai Raptor Center continue to share cautious updates as specialists hunt for the underlying cause. For related coverage across science and wildlife monitoring stories, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What does the latest Jackie update say about her health?
After the transfusion, caregivers reported encouraging signs: Jackie is bright and strong, eating well, and perching. Her kidney inflammation appears to have improved.
She is still severely anemic. A CT scan showed no obvious signs of cancer or metals in her body. Earlier imaging and testing also ruled out lead toxicosis and foreign objects such as fishing hooks, lines, and weights.
The Los Angeles Times reported that she arrived lethargic and underweight after a Saturday rescue led by San Dimas Raptor Rescue, with no signs of physical trauma, and that the center stressed it was too early to predict the outcome.
Is Shadow pairing with another female bald eagle?
Fans spotted Shadow on a tree perch with a subadult nearby. Volunteers believe it could be the same female that briefly skirmished with Jackie.
Friends of Big Bear Valley says Shadow is still feeding and protecting fledglings Sandy and Luna, and has been defending the nest from other subadult eagles. Luna even appeared to chase an intruder away days earlier.
An expert told the nonprofit that Jackie and Shadow's strong bond makes it unlikely he will move on for now. Hormone-driven mate-seeking typically would not begin until around the end of December or early January.
What happens next in Jackie's recovery?
Specialist veterinarians are still working to identify what made Jackie ill. Wildlife medicine, the center noted, often requires patience while answers take time.
Another update is expected Monday. Until then, Jackie remains a very serious case: alert and fighting for recovery, but still critical after her life-saving transfusion.