OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle known from the Big Bear Valley nest-cam, remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians are providing intensive treatment and monitoring.
The center’s latest reported update said Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, had fallen from 16% to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result is a sign of anemia, a condition in which the blood carries less oxygen than normal.
Ojai Raptor Center said the worsening anemia prompted advanced diagnostic testing and expedited laboratory work. The center has not identified the underlying cause of Jackie’s illness.
Why her condition has changed
Jackie previously showed several signs of improvement. Her PCV rose from 8% to 16% after a weekend setback, and the center said she was eating independently, with more energy and alertness.
She also received a blood transfusion. The donated blood came from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. Ojai Raptor Center described the transfusion as an important milestone in Jackie’s treatment.
Earlier testing ruled out lead poisoning, known as lead toxicosis, as well as foreign objects such as fishing hooks, fishing line and weights. The center said Jackie was anemic and had inflammation affecting her kidneys, but the cause remained unknown.
What the move out of intensive care meant
Ojai Raptor Center later moved Jackie from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. The center called the move an encouraging step but stressed that Jackie remained very sick and still required intensive treatment and observation.
The later drop in PCV complicates that earlier improvement. The latest update does not establish whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care.
It also does not provide a confirmed diagnosis, a prognosis or a release date.
How Jackie reached the Ojai facility
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 information available does not provide definitive identification details.
The reported sequence began in early July, when Jackie was said to have been involved in a fight with two other eagles. She was later transferred to the Ojai facility for treatment.
A California wildlife-rehabilitation effort
The case has involved wildlife rescuers and rehabilitation centers across Southern California. The San Dimas team handled the rescue, the Ojai Raptor Center is providing veterinary care, and the California Living Museum supplied blood from Spirit for the transfusion.
Jackie’s recovery depends on determining why her red blood cell count fell and why her kidneys are inflamed. Until those questions are answered, the Ojai Raptor Center’s updates indicate that her condition remains serious despite periods of improvement.
