Mystery Deepens as Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Battles Critical Illness

Jackie, the 14-year-old bald eagle famous on Big Bear Lake’s livestreamed nest, remains in critical condition while undergoing treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center after being rescued following an apparent altercation with two subadult eagles.

Staff report that Jackie received a blood transfusion on July 20 that was described as "life-saving" and noticeably improved her energy in the days that followed. Since her arrival at the raptor center—about 170 miles from her home—veterinarians found she was severely underweight and suffering from marked anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys.

Tests and Treatments Underway

Wildlife teams have ruled out lead poisoning, a common threat to raptors. Jackie is being treated for possible rodenticide exposure, but clinicians say rodenticide is unlikely to be the primary cause of her condition. Tests for zinc toxicity, which can result from ingesting items such as pennies or zinc-coated wire, are still pending. Veterinarians also found no signs of cancer or obvious foreign metal objects such as fishing hooks.

"Her condition remains critical at this time," said Eliza Cameron, hospital and rehabilitation manager at the Ojai Raptor Center. "This is not a straightforward case so we're consulting with several specialists. A treatment plan has been developed to ensure we are covering all bases while we work to determine the cause of anemia."

Response From the Community

Jackie’s global fanbase—who have watched her on a nest camera streaming continuously since 2015—has responded with concern, support and hope. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that runs the nest cam, described her condition as "guarded" and asked followers to keep Jackie and her family in their thoughts. Social media posts from followers ranged from anxious and resigned to optimistic about her resilience.

Back at Big Bear Lake, Jackie’s mate Shadow continues to provide for their younger offspring, Sandy and Luna, who are able to fly but are not yet believed to be hunting independently. The family’s story—highs and lows captured over many seasons—has deepened the public interest in Jackie’s recovery.

What Comes Next

Wildlife specialists emphasize that wildlife medicine often requires patience. While Jackie is alert, perching and eating, clinicians say it is too early to predict her long-term outcome. Ongoing bloodwork and diagnostics, including the awaited zinc results, will guide further treatment decisions and potential rehabilitation or release plans.

Reports and updates have been provided by the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley; the original story was reported by Amanda Lee Myers for USA TODAY.

Jackie the bald eagle looks out over her territory in Big Bear Valley, California in December 2022.

Jackie, the bald eagle known for appearing on Big Bear Valley's Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, is incritical conditionafter being rescued following an apparent "altercation" with two subadult eagles.Seen here in December 2022,Jackie and her partner eagle Shadow have garnered fans across the globe who are following her journey and watching their family grow.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie and Shadow, the two viral bald eagles who call Southern California their home, pictured in their nest on Jan. 19, 2026. In aFacebook post, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that runs 24/7 cameras and livestreams of the eagles and their habitat, said Jackie laid her first eggs of 2026 in the couple's nest inside the San Bernardino National Forest onJan. 23, and again onJan. 26.InFebruary 2025, Jackie laid three eggs. At the time, both bald eagles were seen on video rotating shifts, sitting on the eggs and caring for one another. The couple is doing the same thing almost a year later.(Photo Provided By Friends Of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie and Shadow's babies, Simba and Cookie, are pictured shortly after their birth in April 2019. Cookie was soon after killed in a snow storm followed by freezing rain, while Simba survived and left the nest that July. He's one of at least three chicks that Jackie and Shadow have successfully raised.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie and Shadowswitch egg-warming shifts on Feb. 2, 2024. The pair were caring for three eggs.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

On a windy night, with snowy weather approaching, Jackie the bald eagle rustled a few feathers as she delivered her third egg of the year. Jackie and Shadow became the proud parents of mama eagle’s first full three-egg clutch on the night of Jan. 31, 2024, in Big Bear Lake.(Photo Provided By Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Eagle couple Jackie and Shadow are parents again after Jackie laid an egg on Jan. 25, 2024, in the family nest in Big Bear Lake.(Photo Provided By Friends Of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie the bald eagle's head and tail feathers poke out of the mountain of snow that has accumulated on her nest in Big Bear Valley, California during a snowstorm on Feb. 25, 2023.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie the bald eagle looks out over her territory in Big Bear Valley, California in December 2022.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

This is the high-quality camera captures the daily highs and lows of a bald eagle couple named Jackie and Shadow.(Courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

After abandoning their nest for over three hours, Jackie and Shadow’s eagle eggs were damaged by invading birds near Big Bear Lake.(Photo Provided By Friends Of Big Bear Valley)

Famed Big Bear bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow saw their second egg of the 2026 season on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.(Provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley)