OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the Big Bear Valley nest camera, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing intensive treatment and monitoring.
The center’s latest reported update said Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen from 16% to 13%. PCV measures the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells. A low reading is a sign of anemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry as much oxygen as it normally should.
Ojai Raptor Center said the lower reading showed that Jackie’s anemia had worsened. The veterinary team was conducting advanced diagnostic tests and seeking expedited laboratory results, but the center had not identified the underlying cause.
What is known about Jackie’s condition?
Earlier, the center reported that Jackie’s PCV had risen from 8% to 16% after a weekend setback. She was eating independently and had improved energy and alertness, although her blood count remained below normal.
Jackie has also been treated for inflammation affecting her kidneys. Ojai Raptor Center said testing ruled out lead poisoning and foreign objects, including fishing hooks, fishing line and weights. The center has not reported a confirmed explanation for the anemia.
Jackie received a blood transfusion using blood from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. Ojai Raptor Center described the transfusion as an important treatment milestone.
The center later said Jackie had moved out of its intensive-care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. She remained seriously ill and required close observation and intensive treatment. The latest information available does not establish whether she remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care after her blood count declined.
How did Jackie arrive at the center?
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team said it rescued an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transported the bird to Ojai Raptor Center. ABC News described the rescued bird as presumed to be Jackie. The available information does not provide definitive identification details.
Jackie became widely known through the Big Bear Valley nest camera. Friends of Big Bear Valley has shared updates about her condition and recovery efforts.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is determining why Jackie is losing red blood cells and treating the resulting anemia. Advanced testing may help veterinarians identify an illness, exposure or other medical problem, but Ojai Raptor Center has not announced a diagnosis, prognosis or release date.
The recent changes in Jackie’s condition show why wildlife rehabilitation can involve both short-term improvements and setbacks. A move out of intensive care reflected reduced oxygen needs, but it did not mean she had recovered. The later decline in PCV indicates that she continues to face a serious medical crisis.
