Veterinary Team Expresses Concern About World-Famous Big Bear Bald Eagle

OJAI, CA — The medical condition of Jackie, the world-famous female bald eagle from Big Bear, has taken a concerning turn as new bloodwork reveals her severe anemia has worsened, wildlife officials announced Monday.

Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center, where the eagle is officially designated as "Patient 26-519," reported Aug. 3 that her packed cell volume (PCV) dropped to 13%, down from 17% over the weekend.

"Today's bloodwork brought some difficult news," the center shared in an official Monday update. "Our veterinary team is responding quickly. Additional advanced diagnostic testing is now underway, and expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment."

Jackie was rescued nearly three weeks ago after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake’s Dana Point Park. Members of the Los Angeles County San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team retrieved the approximately 14-year-old raptor before transferring her to the Ojai facility.

The bird's medical journey has seen sharp fluctuations. After receiving a life-saving blood transfusion from a donor eagle, she showed signs of improvement and was moved out of the intensive care unit, where she had been receiving oxygen therapy, into a regular hospital care unit. Though her blood values temporarily stabilized, the root cause of her severe anemia remains unidentified despite extensive testing, which previously ruled out lead toxicosis and swallowed fishing tackle.

Center staff and national wildlife specialists continue consulting on the complex case while requesting that the public and media refrain from contacting or visiting the facility so staff can focus entirely on patient care.

Jackie’s nest life above Big Bear Lake alongside her mate, Shadow, has been watched by millions worldwide via a 24/7 livestream "Nest Cam" hosted by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Her global popularity recently inspired a major conservation victory when donors — including OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna — contributed $5.5 million to purchase and protect the surrounding habitat around the nest from real estate development.

The bald eagle couple successfully raised two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, earlier this year. Both fledged in late June and are believed to be thriving in the wild.

On Monday, Friends of Big Bear Valley turned off commenting on its Facebook page due to negativity surrounding Jackie's health.

"We understand that emotions are running high with concern for Jackie," according to FBBV. "Unfortunately with differing opinions, there are a lot of negative comments going back and forth. At this time we will be turning off commenting."

FBBV is not Jackie's care team. Instead, the group has shared regular veterinary updates on the eagle from Ojai Raptor Center.