Beloved wild bald eagle Jackie, famous from the livestream nest camera in California’s Big Bear Valley, remains in critical condition following an altercation with two subadult eagles. Wildlife veterinarians report severe anemia and inflamed kidneys, while fans track updates from her care facility.
The wild bird official patient designation 26-519 at the Ojai Raptor Center has captured global attention. Millions of viewers who routinely follow the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam are closely monitoring her recovery. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley operates the livestream cameras that track Jackie and her partner, Shadow.
Rescue from Dana Point Park After Subadult Altercation
Before her rescue, Jackie had not been spotted for several days in her nest. On Friday, July 17, an adult bald eagle was sighted on the ground near Dana Point Park, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Cell phone footage captured the bird engaging in a fight with two other bald eagles. While the adult defended itself using its talons, it could not fly far away. Visitors and locals stayed near the bird to keep it safe while awaiting professional rescue assistance.
After initial local calls met with no response, an individual reported the situation to a local San Bernardino County fire station in Fawnskin. Captain Dennis Jones and a team responded and contacted the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team, part of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Rescuers stabilized the eagle at about 2 a.m. and transferred her to the specialized rehabilitation facility in Ojai. Kristine Koh, volunteer rehab manager for the San Dimas Raptor Rescue, noted that Jackie arrived weak, tired, with disheveled feathers and mud-caked feet.
Severe Anemia, Kidney Inflammation, and Ongoing Diagnostics
Medical evaluations at the raptor facility revealed complex health challenges. Initial bloodwork indicated severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys, though X-rays confirmed no fishing hooks, sinkers, or other metal objects were present in her system.
The wildlife hospital team initiated supportive treatment while awaiting key diagnostic results. Testing has focused on lead, zinc, and rodenticide levels. Veterinary staff continue working with specialist veterinarians to determine the underlying cause of her decline.
“Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news,” the Ojai Raptor Center wrote in a Facebook post. “Her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update. Our veterinary team is responding quickly.”
Ojai Raptor Center
That packed cell volume figure represents a decline from previous readings taken earlier in the treatment window, when her PCV stood at 17%.
Fighter Spirit Amid Critical Prognosis
Despite the grave diagnosis, caretakers report that Jackie maintains her signature attitude. Jenny Voisard, media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, noted that the eagle retains her trademark resilience.
“She is mad and fighting the staff … That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle!”
Friends of Big Bear Valley
Staff report that she is alert, perching, standing up without problems, and eating well both with assistance and on her own. While the public has expressed intense concern, the rehabilitation center urged supporters not to flood emergency phone lines or emails, noting that updates will be shared through official channels.
Impact on the Big Bear Nest and Next Steps
The medical crisis unfolds against the backdrop of an active nesting season. Earlier this spring, Jackie and Shadow successfully hatched two eaglets, named Sandy and Luna. Both youngsters fledged from the nest in June, though they have remained in the area to receive parental food deliveries and protection.
With Jackie receiving round-the-clock veterinary care in Ojai, Shadow has been forced to do double duty managing the remaining family responsibilities in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Medical professionals emphasize that wildlife rehabilitation requires patience. Specialists continue to evaluate advanced diagnostic testing and expedited laboratory work to guide subsequent treatment decisions as the public and the nonprofit network await further word on her recovery.
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