Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle receives life-saving blood transfusion, remains in critical condition

Jackie, Big Bear Lake's beloved bald eagle, received a life-saving blood transfusion this week and is being closely monitored at Ojai Raptor Center's urgent care unit as her medical team works to identify the cause of her critical anemia[1].

The transfusion was made possible by Spirit, the resident bald eagle at California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) in Bakersfield, whose blood donation Ojai Raptor Center called successful[1]. Jackie was rescued last week after a confrontation with two subadult eagles on Big Bear Lake's north shore, though wildlife experts determined that skirmish was not the source of her health troubles. Initial testing has already ruled out lead toxicosis and foreign items — including fishing hooks, fishing line, and weights — as possible causes, and her kidney inflammation appears to have improved[1]. Still, the underlying cause of her anemia has not yet been identified, and she remains in critical condition[1].

The good news, her care team says, is that Jackie is holding her own. "She is eating well, perching, and remains bright and strong," Ojai Raptor Center said in a Thursday update, adding that a comprehensive treatment plan is now in place while diagnostics continue[1].

Back at the nest, Jackie's mate Shadow has stepped up as a solo parent, continuing to feed and protect eaglets Sandy and Luna — the pair's two youngsters who recently took their first flights — while also fending off intruding subadult eagles from the territory[1]. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which operates the popular Big Bear Eagle Cam, reported Wednesday that Shadow was spotted on their Twin Pines perch with a subadult female eagle, possibly the same 4-year-old that had a brief run-in with Jackie[1].

Fans of the nest cam reacted with concern, but an eagle expert consulted by FOBBV offered some reassurance. Given the deep bond Jackie and Shadow have shared since pairing up in 2018, the expert said Shadow is unlikely to seek a new mate until his hormones cycle in late December or early January[1].

Ojai Raptor Center acknowledged the community's anxiety in its Thursday statement. "We know many of you are hoping for more answers, and so are we," the center said. "Wildlife medicine often requires patience, and some answers simply take time."[1]

The center plans to release its next update on Jackie's condition on Monday[1]. Those who want to support her care can donate to Ojai Raptor Center's Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign at ojairaptorcenter.networkforgood.com.