As millions of people continue following the recovery of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, California, the wildlife hospital treating her is asking supporters for something simple: patience.
The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie has been receiving around-the-clock veterinary care since she was rescued in July, warned this week that misinformation, AI-generated images and unverified rumors are spreading rapidly online as interest in her condition grows.
In an Aug. 4 Instagram post, the center said advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier than ever for fabricated photos, videos and articles to appear authentic, while rumors can quickly be accepted as fact before accurate information is available.
The organization also
said the intense public interest has led to repeated phone calls, messages sent to staff members' personal social media accounts, unexpected visits and, in some cases, contact at employees' homes, creating distractions for the veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators caring for Jackie.
Wildlife center asks public to rely on trusted information
The Ojai Raptor Center said it understands why people are emotionally invested in Jackie's recovery, but stressed that uninterrupted patient care must remain its top priority.
"Wildlife medicine requires concentration, careful decision making, and often long hours of uninterrupted work," the center wrote. "Every unnecessary interruption takes time and focus away from the animals depending on us."
The center encouraged supporters to seek updates from trusted sources rather than sharing unverified claims or AI-generated content that could mislead others. It also said it will continue releasing updates only when there is confirmed information to share while protecting the privacy of its staff.
Jackie's condition remains serious
The appeal comes just days after veterinarians shared a difficult update on Jackie's health.
The Ojai Raptor Center said Aug. 3 that new bloodwork showed Jackie's packed cell volume had dropped to 13%, indicating her severe anemia had worsened despite earlier signs of modest improvement. Veterinarians are conducting additional diagnostic testing as they work to determine the underlying cause of her illness.
Jackie remains a "very sick patient," though caregivers have previously said she is alert, eating with assistance and continuing to show the feisty personality that has made her a favorite among viewers.
What happened to Jackie?
Jackie and her mate, Shadow, gained an international following through Friends of Big Bear Valley's live webcam, which has allowed viewers to watch the pair nest and raise their young.
Her recovery began after she was rescued on July 17 following an attack by two younger bald eagles that left her grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. Veterinarians found she had no significant physical injuries from the attack but was suffering from severe anemia.
Since then, Jackie has received a life-saving blood transfusion, oxygen therapy and treatment for suspected rodenticide poisoning while undergoing extensive testing. Caregivers have ruled out several possible causes of her illness, including lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects such as fishing hooks, but the exact cause of her condition remains unknown.
Contributing: USA TODAY reporter Saman Shafiq and Amanda Lee Myers
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bald eagle Jackie's caretakers warn against AI fakes, rumors
