Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle whose health crisis has drawn concern from millions of fans, continues to show small but encouraging signs of recovery after spending nearly two weeks at a California wildlife rehabilitation center.
The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie has been receiving around-the-clock veterinary care since she was rescued July 17, said the eagle remains stable but is battling severe anemia. While her condition is still serious, veterinarians said recent bloodwork shows modest improvement.
"Tomorrow marks two weeks since Patient 26-519 arrived at Ojai Raptor Center after being found grounded and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake," the rehabilitation center said in a Facebook update July 31. "Over the past two weeks, our
veterinary team, together with specialists from across the country, has worked tirelessly to better understand this complex case."
While veterinarians have ruled out several possible causes of Jackie's illness, many questions remain. The center said Jackie still has a long road to recovery, even though recent blood tests show some signs that her condition is improving.
How is Jackie doing now?
The latest blood tests show Jackie is still anemic, but one measure of her red blood cell count has improved to 17%, according to the Ojai Raptor Center. Earlier this week, that figure had risen to 16% after dropping as low as 8%. The higher number is a sign that veterinarians said is encouraging as they continue treating the eagle.
The center said Jackie remains stable but is still "a very sick patient."
What caused Jackie's illness?
Wildlife veterinarians are still searching for a definitive diagnosis.
Jackie was rescued after an altercation with two subadult bald eagles near Big Bear Lake left her unable to fly. While the fight may have contributed to her condition, veterinarians believe she is also suffering from an underlying illness.
Extensive testing has ruled out several possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects such as fishing hooks. Jackie has also received treatment for possible rodenticide poisoning, although caregivers do not believe that is the primary cause of her illness.
The rehabilitation center said specialists from across the country continue to help evaluate the complex case.
What treatment has Jackie received?
Jackie has remained under continuous veterinary care since arriving at Ojai Raptor Center.
She previously received a "life-saving" blood transfusion from another eagle and has undergone oxygen therapy during her stay at the Ojai Raptor Center. She also continues to receive treatments to support her body while veterinarians monitor her condition with daily blood tests as they work to determine the cause of her illness.
According to the center, Jackie has shown signs of improvement in recent days. She is eating on her own, has become more alert and has displayed the feisty behavior that fans have long associated with the famous eagle.
Why has Jackie captured so much attention?
Jackie and her longtime mate, Shadow, became internet stars through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, which has livestreamed their nest since 2015.
Millions of viewers have watched Jackie and her longtime mate, Shadow, raise eaglets, brave winter storms and fend off predators through the nest camera's livestream. Since Jackie's hospitalization, fans have closely followed updates from the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley, leaving thousands of messages of encouragement on social media.
Contributing: USA TODAY reporters Saman Shafiq, Julia Gomez 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: Jackie the bald eagle: What we know about her recovery
