Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle 26-519, remains in stable but critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, receiving round-the-clock care. After an initial improvement from a blood transfusion Jackie suffered a decline on July 25, but her packed cell volume rose from 8% to 16% by July 27, suggesting progress. Veterinarians have not reached a definitive diagnosis and continue diagnostic testing and supportive treatment. Nearby, Friends of Big Bear Valley are monitoring a 3.5-year-old sub-adult eagle and the status of Jackie and Shadow’s chicks, Sandy and Luna, last seen on camera July 23.
Injured Bald Eagle Jackie Stable But Still Critical; PCV Improves After Setback
Jackie is continuing her recovery at the Ojai Raptor Center in Ojai, California.
The internet-famous bald eagle 26-519, known as Jackie, remains in stable but critical condition while receiving round-the-clock care at the Ojai Raptor Center. Veterinarians are continuing intensive treatment and additional diagnostics as they work to identify the underlying cause of her illness.
Recent Medical Update
Jackie showed initial improvement after a blood transfusion but experienced a decline in key blood values on July 25. Staff report that she has since improved again: she is eating on her own, is more alert and energetic, and has become noticeably feistier during feedings.
"Despite extensive diagnostic testing and consultation with experienced wildlife veterinarians, we still do not have a definitive diagnosis," the Ojai Raptor Center said. "Cases like this can be incredibly complex, and we will continue adjusting her treatment as new information becomes available."
One encouraging objective measure is Jackie’s packed cell volume (PCV), which increased from 8% before July 25 to 16% on July 27. Although still below the normal range for a healthy eagle, the rise is a positive sign.
Behavior, Prognosis, and Care
Veterinary staff are monitoring Jackie around the clock and adjusting supportive care as new test results come in. While the team remains cautiously optimistic about the recent improvements, they emphasize that the situation is still critical and ongoing diagnostics and supportive treatment are needed.
Big Bear Valley Nest: Family and Local Activity
In Big Bear Valley, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) are monitoring a nearby sub-adult male eagle—estimated at about 3.5 years old—who may have had an encounter with Jackie. Dr. Peter Sharpe, a bald eagle conservationist consulted by FOBBV, observed that this bird is younger than the typical breeding age of five and is likely not yet ready to nest or mate.
Jackie and her mate Shadow have two chicks this season, Sandy and Luna, which hatched on April 4 (9:33 p.m. PDT) and April 5 (8:30 a.m.), respectively. Neither chick has been observed on camera since July 23, though vocalizations have been heard in the area. FOBBV notes that if the chicks have dispersed, their timing would be consistent with previous years when eaglets typically leave the nest about four weeks after fledging.
Background, Risks, and Conservation
Jackie and Shadow have nested together since 2018 and successfully raised chicks in several seasons. Nesting can be perilous: eggs and chicks face threats from ravens, other raptors, severe weather, and human-related risks such as vehicle collisions when fledglings scavenge roadkill. Historically, about 50% of eagle eggs hatch and roughly 70% of fledglings survive the fledging stage.
FOBBV recently completed a $10 million land-conservation fundraising goal to protect habitat around Big Bear Lake, aided by a $5.5 million gift from Anna and Greg Brockman. Supporters who wish to help Jackie’s recovery can donate to the Ojai Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign; viewers can also follow developments via FOBBV’s 24/7 nest livestream.
Note: This is a developing story. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Popular Science's parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025 alleging copyright infringement in training and operating its AI systems.
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