Big Bear bald eagle Jackie in critical condition as tests continue
Jackie, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle He remains in critical condition as wildlife veterinarians work to determine what caused the health crisis that led to the family’s rescue near its den last weekend.
In an update Wednesday, the Ojai Raptor Center identified Jackie as “Bald Eagle patient 26-519” and said initial blood work showed the eagle was suffering from severe anemia and inflammation affecting his kidneys. Additional blood work and diagnostic tests are still pending while veterinarians investigate the underlying cause.
“His condition remains critical and this is still a very serious situation,” the Ventura County rehab center said.
Jackie shows signs of strength despite her serious condition
There was some encouraging news on Wednesday.
According to the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of the Big Bear Valley, Jackie is staying alert, eating and showing increased energy while receiving supportive care. Wildlife staff said it stood, perched and even foraged for food on its own.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit organization that operates the popular Big Bear eagle cam, said veterinarians reported that Jackie was “crazy and fighting with staff.”
“This is our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle!” the group said. [
Even so, experts caution it remains too early to predict the outcome of her treatment
What caused Jackie’s illness?
Veterinarians have yet to determine why Jackie is thin and weak.
The Ojai Raptor Center said test results for possible exposure to lead, zinc and rodenticides, also known as rat poison, are still pending. X-rays did not reveal any fish hooks, sinkers or other metal objects inside the eagle
Wildlife officials said Jackie did not suffer any major injuries during the territorial struggle before her rescue; This led experts to suspect that he may have already been affected by a disease or environmental toxin before the encounter.
Ground battle near Big Bear Lake
Friends of Big Bear Valley say Jackie was spotted near Dana Point Park in Fawnskin on July 17 after spending time on the ground in the area the previous day. Witnesses later observed an argument between Jackie and two subadult bald eagles.
Cellphone video showed Jackie successfully defending herself by somersaulting and using her claws, but then failed to fly, according to the nonprofit.
He was rescued by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue and later transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center, which is licensed to provide long-term care for bald eagles.
Shadow continues to care for the eaglets
While Jackie receives treatment, her longtime partner, Shadow, remains at the Big Bear den and continues to defend the territory while caring for the couple’s baby eaglets, Luna and Sandy.
The Friends of the Great Bear Valley eagle cam continues to provide live coverage of activities at the nest around the clock as supporters across the country await further news on Jackie’s recovery.
Wildlife officials asked the public not to contact the Ojai Raptor Center’s hotline, hospital or administrative offices for updates and said new information will be made public when it becomes available.
The Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department released video and photos of an adult eagle receiving treatment. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley said the eagle resembles Shadow’s mate, Jackie, whose family nest is in the San Bernardino Mountains.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Great Bear bald eagle Jackie remains in critical condition as testing continues
