OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle known for her Big Bear Valley nest-cam appearances, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center after a recent decline in her blood count.
The center reported that Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, fell from 16% to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result indicates anemia, a condition in which the blood carries less oxygen than normal.
Ojai Raptor Center said advanced diagnostic tests and expedited laboratory work were underway. The center has not identified the underlying cause of Jackie’s anemia or the inflammation affecting her kidneys.
What is known about Jackie’s condition?
Jackie has been receiving intensive veterinary treatment and monitoring. The center previously reported that her PCV rose from 8% to 16% after a weekend setback. At that time, she was eating on her own and showing more energy and alertness.
She also received a blood transfusion, which the center described as an important treatment milestone. The donated blood came from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield.
Testing ruled out lead poisoning and foreign objects, including fishing hooks, fishing line and weights, according to the Ojai Raptor Center. Earlier reports said testing for possible zinc or rodenticide exposure was pending, but the supplied updates do not provide final results for those tests.
The center has emphasized that improvement in individual signs does not mean Jackie is out of danger.
Did Jackie leave intensive care?
The Ojai Raptor Center previously reported that Jackie moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital-care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. The center said she remained very sick and continued to require intensive treatment and monitoring.
The later report of a PCV decline does not establish whether Jackie is still in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care. The latest supplied updates also do not provide a new prognosis, a release date or a confirmed diagnosis.
How did Jackie arrive at the center?
The San Dimas Raptor Rescue team, part of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, reported rescuing an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transporting the bird to the Ojai Raptor Center.
ABC News described the rescued bird as presumed to be Jackie. The available updates do not provide definitive identification details beyond that description.
Jackie is associated with the Big Bear Valley nest-cam and has drawn attention from viewers and wildlife supporters. Friends of Big Bear Valley has expressed hope for her recovery, while the Ojai Raptor Center has cautioned that wildlife medicine can require time as veterinarians work to determine the cause of a serious illness.
For now, the clearest update is mixed: Jackie previously showed enough improvement to leave the intensive-care unit, but her worsening anemia means she remains critically ill and under close veterinary care in California.
