Bald eagle Jackie in Big Bear receives critical blood transfusion to save her life.
Medical care continues for the beloved bald eagle known as Jackie, following a critical late-night blood transfusion, as announced by the Ojai Raptor Center, a wildlife rehabilitation facility located in Ventura County. Jackie, whose life has been extensively documented by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, recently sustained injuries during an altercation with two other eagles. This incident left her in a weakened state, leading her to remain grounded for several hours until rescuers were able to facilitate her transfer to the Ojai Raptor Center.
The vital blood transfusion, essential for Jackie’s recovery, was made possible through the generosity of Spirit, another bald eagle residing at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield, along with the dedicated veterinary and animal care teams at that facility. According to an update from Ojai Raptor Center, Jackie’s condition is deemed “critical,” with the medical team working diligently to uncover the underlying reasons for her ongoing anemia.
Despite her serious condition, Jackie has shown positive signs. Initial assessments have ruled out several potential causes of her illness, such as lead poisoning and the ingestion of foreign objects like fishing hooks and weights. There has also been observed improvement regarding her kidney inflammation. The center reported that Jackie is currently eating well and is able to perch, indicating a hopefully steady recovery trajectory. Plans are in place for another health update on July 27.
Meanwhile, Jackie’s mate, Shadow, is reported to be diligently caring for their eaglets, Sandy and Luna. Recent observations from Friends of Big Bear Valley indicate that Shadow has been seen perched alongside another eagle, potentially a female. The organization consulted with an eagle expert, who suggested that due to the strong bond between Jackie and Shadow, it is improbable that he will seek a new mate anytime soon. The expert indicated that Shadow’s interest in mating is unlikely to arise until later in the year.
Community engagement surrounding Jackie’s health remains robust, with her recent update post garnering over 26,000 likes and 3,300 comments on social media platforms. Additionally, the Southern California News Group has created an online board for supporters wishing to extend their well-wishes to the injured eagle. As her medical team continues to monitor her condition, it remains uncertain when Jackie may be released back into the wild, underscoring the community’s deep concern and affection for this iconic bird.
