Big Bear Lake bald eagle Jackie remains in ‘critical condition’
OJAI, Calif. — UPDATE 8/7/2026 The Ojai Raptor Center reports that Big Bear Lake bald eagle Jackie remains in intensive care, where she is receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and continuous monitoring. Her condition remains critical after recent blood work showed her packed cell volume (PCV) has declined again, falling below 10%.
"We are sorry to share that today’s update is not positive,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in the post.
The center says that advanced diagnostics performed this week, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy, have provided important new insights into her condition. The center says additional specialized testing is still pending.
The Ojai Raptor Center's veterinary team continues to collaborate closely with specialists across the country as they evaluate the latest findings and determine the most appropriate next steps in her care.
The center is consulting with specialists at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California as they determine the next steps in Jackie's care.
UPDATE 8/5/2026
The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that she underwent further advanced diagnostics, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy.
The center says Jackie recovered well from anesthesia and is back in her recovery enclosure receiving supplemental oxygen.
The veterinary team says together with their scientific advisory council and consulting specialists, are now reviewing today's findings alongside Jackie's previous test results.
The center also says additional lab work is still pending. The group says it will share a more comprehensive updates once they have the opportunity to review their findings.
Original Report
OJAI, Calif. — The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a concerning medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that the bird's condition has become more serious following the latest round of diagnostic testing.
According to the rehabilitation center, bloodwork performed Monday revealed that the eagle's packed cell volume (PCV) has declined to 13%, indicating that her anemia has worsened since the previous public update. A low PCV means the bird has fewer circulating red blood cells than normal, reducing the body's ability to deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues.
In response to the results, the Ojai Raptor Center's veterinary team has initiated additional advanced diagnostic testing while requesting expedited laboratory analysis to help determine the underlying cause of the anemia. Those findings will be used to guide the next phase of the eagle's treatment.
Jackie has been receiving treatment after being found on the ground on Big Bear Lake following a confrontation with two other bald eagles.
The center revealed that the encounter with eagles likely left her grounded, but experts do not believe it is what caused her illness.
At this time, veterinarians say they do not yet have definitive answers regarding the cause of the worsening condition or the prognosis. The center emphasized that it will provide another update once meaningful new medical information becomes available.
