Jackie the bald eagle remains in critical condition at the Ojai Raptor Center following a life-saving blood transfusion.
Jackie, the famous bald eagle of Big Bear Lake, remains in critical condition as she undergoes intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. The 14-year-old bird was rescued after being found grounded following a fight with two younger eagles. While she is currently suffering from severe anemia and kidney inflammation, recent tests have ruled out lead poisoning, cancer, and the presence of foreign objects like fishing hooks. The administration of care included a "life-saving" blood transfusion provided by Spirit, a resident eagle from the California Living Museum. This collaboration between wildlife agencies has shown encouraging results, with Jackie now appearing bright, strong, and capable of perching and eating well. Despite these improvements, specialists are still working to identify the exact cause of her anemia. Eliza Cameron, the hospital and rehabilitation manager, noted that while the team is developing a comprehensive treatment plan, it is still too early to predict the final outcome of her recovery.