OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the famous Big Bear Valley nest-cam, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center after her packed cell volume fell from 16% to 13%, according to the center’s latest update.
The decline means Jackie’s anemia has worsened. The Ojai Raptor Center said advanced diagnostic testing and expedited laboratory work were underway, but it has not identified the underlying cause of her illness.
The center has not provided a later update confirming whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care.
What is Jackie’s condition?
Jackie has been receiving round-the-clock veterinary care in California. The Ojai Raptor Center previously described her condition as “stable but critical.” It reported that she was eating independently and showing more energy and alertness after a setback.
Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in blood. A low PCV is a sign of anemia, a condition in which the blood has too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively.
The center said Jackie’s PCV rose from 8% to 16% after a blood transfusion and other treatment. It later fell to 13%.
The Ojai Raptor Center has also reported inflammation affecting Jackie’s kidneys. The cause of the anemia and kidney problems remains undetermined.
What treatment has she received?
Jackie received a blood transfusion using blood from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The Ojai Raptor Center called the transfusion an important treatment milestone.
Earlier updates said Jackie was eating, perching and alert. Testing ruled out lead toxicosis and foreign objects, including fishing hooks, fishing line and weights. The supplied updates do not provide final results for every other possible exposure or a confirmed diagnosis.
On July 29, the center said Jackie had moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. It also warned that she remained very sick and required intensive treatment and monitoring.
The later drop in PCV shows why that move was not the same as recovery. The center has not announced a prognosis or a release date.
How did Jackie reach 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 the Ojai Raptor Center.
ABC News described the rescued bird as presumed to be Jackie. The supplied records do not provide definitive identification details.
Jackie was associated with a nest in Big Bear Valley and became widely known through a nest camera. The rescue and treatment involved wildlife-care organizations in Ojai, Los Angeles County and Bakersfield.
What is known about her prospects?
The Ojai Raptor Center has reported both short-term improvements and serious setbacks. Jackie’s improved energy, independent eating and move out of intensive care were encouraging signs. Her later PCV decline and continuing anemia indicate that she remains medically unstable.
Because the underlying cause has not been found, the center is continuing diagnostic testing rather than giving a clear recovery timeline. The latest supplied update does not say whether Jackie’s condition has improved, worsened further or changed units since the PCV fell to 13%.