Jackie, a well-known bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, remains in critical condition after her packed cell volume dropped below 10 percent. Diagnostic imaging and a bone marrow biopsy have given the veterinary team new information, with further specialized test results pending. Her two chicks, Sandy and Luna, likely fledged in late July. Supporters are urged to donate to the Ojai Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign to help cover Jackie’s care.
Jackie the Bald Eagle Remains Critical as Blood Levels Plummet; Rescue Team Seeks Support
Jackie on her nest above Big Bear Lake on May 14, 2026.
Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center after her packed cell volume (PCV) fell to below 10 percent. Veterinary staff report she is receiving intensive care, including oxygen therapy, supportive treatment and continuous monitoring.
“Her blood values have declined again, with her packed cell volume (PCV) falling below 10 percent, and her condition remains critical,” the Ojai Raptor Center said.
Medical imaging and diagnostics are guiding care. A contrast CT scan and a bone marrow biopsy performed earlier in the week have already provided important information for the medical team; results from additional specialized tests are still pending and will inform further treatment decisions.
How Jackie was found
Jackie was admitted about three weeks ago after being found injured on the ground near Dana Point Park on July 17. Cell-phone footage captured an altercation with two subadult eagles. A witness’s video showed Jackie defending herself by turning over and using her talons, but she was unable to fly far afterward. She has since been diagnosed with anemia and remains under round-the-clock care at the Ojai Raptor Center.
Nest, Chicks and Recent Activity
Jackie and her mate Shadow are a high-profile bald eagle pair that nest in the San Bernardino National Forest. Their nest in Big Bear Valley is livestreamed 24/7 by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which has attracted millions of viewers.
Two chicks from the current season, named Sandy and Luna, hatched on April 4 and April 5 and were last observed at the nest on July 23; FOBBV reports they have likely fledged and begun their post-nest dispersal.
Fledging is a risky time: roughly 70 percent of eaglets survive the fledgling stage. Young eagles face threats from other raptors (hawks, ravens, other eagles and owls), severe weather and human hazards such as vehicle strikes when scavenging roadkill.
A team from the Ojai Raptor Center taking care of Jackie.Image: Ojai Raptor Center.
Previous Seasons
Earlier in 2025, Jackie produced a brood of three chicks that hatched in early March. A severe snowstorm on March 13 battered the nest and one chick was lost; two survivors were later named Sunny and Gizmo after a fan naming campaign.
Conservation Support And How To Help
Friends of Big Bear Valley recently reached a $10 million fundraising goal to purchase land around Big Bear Lake; a $5.5 million gift from Anna and Greg Brockman pushed the campaign past its target. (Greg Brockman is co-founder and President of OpenAI.) More than 25,000 smaller donations had already contributed nearly half the total before that major gift.
You can support Jackie’s care by donating to the Ojai Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign. Contributions help cover urgent medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation for injured raptors.
Note on Sources
This is a developing story. We will update this article as Ojai Raptor Center, FOBBV, and other official sources release new information.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, the parent company of Popular Science, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025 alleging copyright infringement related to AI training and operation.
Help us improve.
