Jackie update: an eagle believed to be Jackie was rescued on the shores of Big Bear Lake over the weekend and is now in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center. Eliza Cameron, the center’s hospital and rehabilitation manager, said the bird arrived lethargic and underweight, with no signs of physical trauma.
Big Bear Lake rescue
Friends of Big Bear Valley said the eagle is suffering from anemia and inflamed kidneys, and the center is still waiting on blood work and toxicology results. The group also said the bird was eating with assistance and on her own, and was standing up and perching while veterinarians worked through supportive care.
The rescue has drawn intense attention because Jackie and Shadow are watched through 24/7 livestream streams by thousands of fans across the globe. Friends of Big Bear Valley said the eagle had been absent from the livestream cameras for days before the rescue, which pushed concern beyond the usual nest-watch audience.
Eliza Cameron on care
Cameron said the center was working with several specialist veterinarians to determine the best supportive care for the moment. She said the bird’s condition did not show external injury, but the lab work was needed to sort out what is behind the anemia and kidney inflammation.
“Until we understand the full picture, we can’t responsibly predict a timeline or outcome. What we can promise is thorough, attentive care every step of the way.”
Jackie and Shadow
Friends of Big Bear Valley said it was pretty confident the eagle is Jackie based on photos, videos and the bird’s absence from its livestream cameras for days. The organization also said the eagle is suspected to be an individual from a nesting pair in the area, but the Ojai Raptor Center said it could not be 100% sure of the eagle’s identity.
Later Tuesday, the Ojai Raptor Center said the patient remained critical and that it was too early to predict the outcome. For fans following Jackie and Shadow, the next step is the test work now underway at the Ojai Raptor Center, where the unanswered question is what is driving the eagle’s anemia and inflamed kidneys.
