Big Bear bald eagle Jackie suffers setback while being treated for anemia, wildlife officials say
"Today's bloodwork brought some difficult news," the Ojai Raptor Center said
BIG BEAR, Calif. -- Big Bear's beloved bald eagle Jackie has suffered a medical setback while being treated for an illness, officials said Monday.
"Today's bloodwork brought some difficult news," the Ojai Raptor Center said in a statement, which was accompanied by a video of the majestic eagle being treated by a veterinary team. "Her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update."
The wildlife center said its veterinary team was responding quickly, adding that additional advanced diagnostic testing was underway.
"Expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment," the news release said. "At this stage, we do not have further answers to share, but we promise to keep you informed as soon as we have meaningful new information."
After Jackie was rescued, experts said she was anemic with inflammation affecting her kidneys. She received a life-saving blood transfusion from a fellow female eagle named Spirit, who is a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield.
"We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support," the Raptor Center said, referring to Jackie as "Patient 26-519." "At this time, we kindly ask the public and members of the media to continue respecting the veterinary and rehabilitation teams involved in her care by allowing them the time and space they need to remain focused on patient care."
Jackie is one half of the beloved bald eagle couple captured on Friends of Big Bear Valley's (FOBBV)live nest camerawith her partner, Shadow.
