What happened to Jackie the bald eagle? Beloved Big Bear eagle suffers health setback as anemia worsens
Jackie, the beloved bald eagle followed by millions through the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) nest camera, has suffered a medical setback while receiving treatment for a serious illness. Her doctors said Monday that new blood tests showed her anemia had worsened.
The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie is being treated, said her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%. The rehabilitation center said veterinarians immediately began additional advanced diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the worsening condition.
The thousands of people who frequently watch Jackie and her lifelong partner, Shadow, on the Big Bear Eagle live cam have grown concerned about Jackie’s health.
What happened to Jackie the bald eagle?
According to the Ojai Raptor Center, Jackie had already been diagnosed with severe anemia accompanied by inflammation affecting her kidneys after she was brought in. Veterinarians previously performed a life-saving blood transfusion using blood donated by another female bald eagle named Spirit, a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield.
Despite that intervention, Monday’s bloodwork revealed that Jackie’s condition had deteriorated.
“Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news,” the wildlife center said in a statement. The statement further read, “Her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update.”
Veterinarians requested expedited laboratory testing while continuing intensive treatment.
The center said it does not yet have definitive answers about the underlying cause of the illness. The center stressed that they will provide updates only after obtaining meaningful medical information. “At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information,” they added.
Why Jackie became an internet favorite?
Jackie is one half of the celebrated bald eagle pair that nests near Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Together with her mate, Shadow, she has become an internet sensation through the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s continuously streamed nest camera.
Jackie’s treatment has therefore drawn widespread public attention. Veterinary teams have been sharing carefully worded medical updates.
Dr. Mike Higgins, who is among the veterinarians caring for Jackie, has also spoken to ABC News about Jackie’s health.
The Ojai Raptor Center referred to Jackie as “Patient 26-519” in its latest medical bulletin but acknowledged the emotional connection many people have formed with the eagle.
“We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle,” the center said while thanking supporters for their encouragement during her treatment.
