OJAI, Calif., Aug. 7 (Nationwide Times) — Jackie, the bald eagle associated with the Big Bear Valley nest camera, remains in critical condition while receiving intensive veterinary care at the Ojai Raptor Center in California. Her latest reported blood test showed that a key measure of red blood cells had fallen, signaling that her anemia had worsened.
The Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie’s packed cell volume, or PCV, dropped from 16% to 13%. PCV measures the share of blood made up of red blood cells. A low result can indicate anemia, a condition in which the blood has reduced ability to carry oxygen.
The center said advanced diagnostic testing and expedited laboratory work were underway. It has not identified the underlying cause of Jackie’s anemia or kidney inflammation.
What is known about her condition?
Jackie previously received a blood transfusion using blood from Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum in Bakersfield. The Ojai Raptor Center described the transfusion as an important treatment milestone.
After a setback, Jackie’s PCV rose from 8% to 16%, and the center reported that she was eating independently and showing more energy and alertness. Earlier updates also said she was eating and perching.
Tests ruled out lead toxicosis and foreign objects, including fishing hooks, fishing line and weights, according to the Ojai Raptor Center. The available updates do not provide final results for every other possible exposure or a confirmed diagnosis.
Why did she go to the raptor center?
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team said it rescued an injured bald eagle after a fight with two other eagles and transported the bird to the Ojai Raptor Center. ABC News described the rescued bird as presumed to be Jackie.
Jackie was transferred to the Ojai facility in July. The available reports do not provide definitive identification details beyond that description.
Has Jackie left intensive care?
The Ojai Raptor Center previously reported that Jackie had moved from its intensive-care unit to a regular hospital care unit because she no longer needed oxygen therapy. The center also warned that she remained very sick and required intensive treatment and monitoring.
Because the later update reported a decline in her PCV, it is not clear from the available information whether Jackie remains in the regular hospital unit or has returned to intensive care. The latest reported update does not provide a prognosis or a release date.
For now, the clearest measure of Jackie’s status is that she remains critically ill while veterinarians continue testing and supportive care. The Ojai Raptor Center has not announced a confirmed cause for the anemia and kidney inflammation.
