Full Breakdown
Jackie the Bald Eagle: Critical Recovery and Ongoing Uncertainties
7/29/2026, 1:39:33 PM
Core Event – Critical Health Update
Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, was rescued after a fight with two other eagles left her unable to fly. She was transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center, where veterinarians provide round-the-clock care. The raptor remains in a “stable but critical” state, receiving supportive treatment while staff search for the cause of severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
Background & Context
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) operates a 24-hour livestream of Jackie and her mate Shadow’s nest in the San Bernardino National Forest. The pair first paired in 2018 and have raised multiple eaglets, most recently Sandy and Luna, whose last confirmed vocalizations were heard on July 23. The Ojai Raptor Center also used its platform to correct a long-standing Hollywood myth: the dramatic “eagle scream” heard in media belongs to a red-tailed hawk.
Timeline
- July 18 – Jackie found weak and unable to fly on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
- July 20 – Still lethargic despite fluids and nutritional support.
- July 22 – A subadult female was observed perching with Shadow.
- July 25 – After an initial improvement from a blood transfusion, Jackie’s blood values declined.
- July 27 – Jackie’s packed cell volume (PCV) rose from 8 % to 16 %; staff reported she was eating on her own and “much more feisty during feedings.”
- July 31 – The fundraising goal of $10 million for land protection near the nest is set to be met, enabling the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to complete the purchase.
Data & Statistics
- PCV increase: 8 % -> 16 % (July 27).
- Blood transfusion: Described as “life-saving” by the Ojai Raptor Center.
- Subadult age: Approximately 3.5 years, below the typical 5-year maturity for breeding.
- Donation: $5.5 million from Greg and Anna Brockman toward the $10 million land-acquisition goal.
Official Statements & Responses
FOBBV notes that Shadow has displayed defensive behavior toward the subadult while caring for the eaglets, and that the pair’s reproductive hormones typically rise in December. The organization highlights the importance of protecting surrounding habitat, now funded by the Brockman donation.
On-the-Ground Reports
Field observations confirm that Jackie is now self-feeding and shows increased alertness during feedings. Shadow has been seen sharing a perch with the subadult female, a behavior that sparked social-media speculation but, according to FOBBV, does not yet indicate a shift in his long-term partnership with Jackie.
Verbatim Quotes
“I highly doubt Shadow is going to find another mate right now because it's outside of breeding season,” — Jennifer Cedarleaf, avian director at the Alaska Raptor Center
What’s Next
Veterinarians will continue round-the-clock monitoring, adjusting treatments as new data emerge. The land-conservation effort tied to the $10 million goal is slated for completion by the July 31 deadline, securing critical hunting and nesting habitat for the eagles of Big Bear Valley. Updates are expected from the Ojai Raptor Center and FOBBV as Jackie’s recovery progresses.
