Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, remains in critical condition after an altercation with two subadult eagles and has been treated at the Ojai Raptor Center about 170 miles from her nest. Veterinarians found severe anemia and kidney inflammation and performed a life-saving blood transfusion using blood donated by another eagle, Spirit. Tests have ruled out lead, cancer and fishing-related metals; treatment for possible rodenticide exposure is underway and additional screening for zinc toxicity continues. Jackie remains alert and is still eating as caretakers focus on stabilizing her and identifying the underlying cause.
Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie Critical After Attack — Receives Life-Saving Transfusion
Photo Credit: The Ojai Raptor Center
Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, remains in critical condition after an altercation with two subadult eagles. She has been transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, roughly 170 miles from her Southern California nesting site, where veterinary teams are providing intensive care.
Clinical Update
In a video update on July 23, Ojai Raptor Center hospital and rehabilitation manager Eliza Cameron said in a statement that "her condition remains critical at this time." Veterinarians found Jackie underweight with severe anemia and kidney inflammation, and staff describe the transfusion she received as life-saving.
Another eagle named Spirit donated blood for the transfusion. Testing so far has ruled out lead poisoning, cancer and the presence of metals such as fishing hooks. Jackie is also being treated for possible rodenticide exposure, though officials currently say they do not believe rodenticide is the primary cause. Additional tests are underway to evaluate possible zinc toxicity and other underlying conditions.
Ongoing Care and Prognosis
Veterinary teams are focused on stabilizing Jackie’s anemia, reducing inflammation and identifying the root cause of her illness. Although her condition remains serious, caretakers report she is alert and continues to eat, which are encouraging signs as diagnostics continue.
Community Concern and Nest Cam Following
Jackie and her mate Shadow have attracted a broad online following since a livestream nest camera began in 2016. Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Ojai Raptor Center have provided frequent public updates, drawing thousands of responses from supporters. There is concern about how Jackie’s absence might affect Shadow and the pair’s breeding season; experts say Shadow’s strong bond with Jackie makes it unlikely he would move on immediately, though behavior could change later in the breeding cycle.
Veterinarians will continue treatment as they await further test results and monitor Jackie’s response to care. Friends of Big Bear Valley continues to answer public questions about the birds and bald eagle behavior while updates are posted.
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