Fans of beloved bald eagle Jackie got some good news on the evening of Wednesday, July 29.
The rehab facility where the mother bird is recovering announced that she has been moved from its intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to one of its regular hospital care units. Though Jackie remains at Ojai Raptor Center, about 170 miles from her home in California's Big Bear Valley, she seems to be on the mend from a mysterious illness that has plagued her since she was rescued after an altercation with two subadult bald eagles.
The Mira Monte, California-based wildlife rehabilitation center said in a July 29 Facebook post that Jackie "continues to receive around-the-clock veterinary care." While her transfer to a regular hospital unit
is "an encouraging milestone," she "remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring," the center added.
"This is an encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger," the center's post added, before thanking the public and fans for the "outpouring of support, encouragement, and kindness shown to our team throughout her care."
"Your messages on social media truly mean a great deal to all of us," the post said.
Jackie received 'life-saving' blood transfusion last week
The facility, in its previous update on July 27, had said the bald eagle's condition was "stable but critical" and that she "is receiving several prophylactic treatments to help support her body." A "definitive diagnosis" had not been determined at the time "despite extensive diagnostic testing and consultation with experienced wildlife veterinarians."
"Cases like this can be incredibly complex, and we will continue adjusting her treatment as new information becomes available," the center said.
Jackie had also received a "life-saving" blood transfusion from another eagle last week and even showed "encouraging improvement." But on Saturday, July 25, "she experienced a setback" when "her blood values declined again," according to the center.
"Since then, she has improved once more," the facility said, noting "she is eating on her own, her energy and alertness have noticeably improved, and she has become much more feisty during feedings."
The center added that one of the most encouraging changes they've seen in Jackie is her packed cell volume, or the percentage of red blood cells in her bloodstream. That figure was at 8% before the weekend, but it had improved to 16% by Monday, July 27.
"While this remains below normal, it is an encouraging improvement, and we will continue to monitor her bloodwork daily as we keep a close eye on her progress," the center said.
Jackie's journey from rescue to recovery
Jackie the bald eagle, known for appearing on Big Bear Valley's Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, was seen in an "altercation" with two subadult eagles on July 17, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which manages the popular nest cam.
"Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly far away," the nonprofit stated on Facebook.
While the eagle was able to defend itself, it did not get far and was seen on the ground near Dana Point Park, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, from where it was rescued.
Over the next few days, Jackie has been rehabilitating while being further assessed at Ojai Raptor Center, miles from the nest she built with her partner, Shadow. Though she was taken to the center following a fight with the two subadult eagles, her caregivers believe she has an underlying illness.
The center, in a July 21 Facebook post, said "initial bloodwork" indicated the eagle "is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys" and that its veterinary team has begun "supportive treatment based on the information available," with guidance from wildlife professionals globally.
Jackie also received treatment for rodenticide toxicity, which occurs when humans or non-target animals ingest rat or mouse poisons.
'Strong and mighty eagle'
Despite the severity of her condition, Jackie remained "alert and is eating," the center had said. FOBBV said on July 21 that Jackie continues to be fierce and "is mad and fighting the staff."
"That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle," the nonprofit said. "She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own. She is still standing up and perching."
On July 23, wildlife agencies said test results show Jackie does not have lead poisoning, a common killer among bald eagles and other birds. Though they are giving her treatment for rodenticide poisoning, they don't believe that's what she has.
There are also no signs of cancer or metals, like fishing hooks. Wildlife officials are still awaiting test results that would show whether she has zinc toxicity, which could be caused if Jackie ingested items including pennies and zinc-coated fencing or wires.
Contributing: Michelle Del Rey and Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies, and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Beloved bald eagle Jackie gets good news amid illness. See new update
