Full Breakdown
Jackie's Ongoing Battle: Anemia Worsens, Then Shows Signs of Improvement at the Ojai Raptor Center
8/4/2026, 2:03:17 AM
Background & Context
Jackie, a female bald eagle (patient 26-519) known from the Friends of Big Bear Valley live-nest camera, was found grounded near Big Bear Lake after an altercation with two sub-adult eagles on July 17. She was rescued and taken to the Ojai Raptor Center, where a team led by executive director Chris Eksteen is providing round-the-clock veterinary care and working with wildlife specialists to diagnose a “complex” illness that includes severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
Timeline
- July 16 – Jackie observed on the ground near the family nest.
- July 17 – Altercation; she becomes unable to fly.
- July 18 – Arrival at Ojai Raptor Center.
- July 20 – Receives a blood transfusion from a fellow eagle, Spirit, and oxygen therapy.
- July 21 – Bloodwork shows severe anemia and kidney inflammation.
- July 23 – Tests rule out lead poisoning.
- July 31 – Earlier update noted modest improvement.
- Early August (Monday) – PCV drops to 13%, indicating a setback.
- Following Friday – PCV rises to 17%, still below the healthy >30% threshold.
Data & Statistics
- PCV fell from 17% to 13% during the setback, then returned to 17%.
- Healthy bald eagles have PCV >30%.
- Lead, zinc, aspergillosis, rodenticide toxicosis, and renal disease have been ruled out.
- Jackie receives daily blood tests, advanced imaging, and toxicology screening.
Official Statements & Responses
The Ojai Raptor Center emphasized rapid response and ongoing diagnostics. Planned actions include frequent monitoring of blood and white-cell counts, testing for less common heavy metals, specialized toxicosis assays, radiographic lung monitoring, and a CT scan once PCV rises further. The center thanked the public for encouragement and asked for patience as the team focuses on care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The encounter with the juvenile eagle likely left her grounded, but we do not believe it caused her illness,” — Chris Eksteen
- “While we've made important progress and ruled out several potential causes, there are still many unanswered questions,” — Eksteen
- “Today's bloodwork continues to show anemia, although her packed cell volume has improved to 17%.” — Eksteen
- “What we are seeing suggests she has been sick for a long time,” — Eksteen
What’s Next
The center will continue intensive monitoring of Jackie’s blood parameters and complete pending heavy-metal and toxicosis tests, with results expected in several weeks. A CT scan of her lungs will be scheduled once PCV rises above the current 17% level. If her condition stabilizes, Jackie will be released back to her territory in Big Bear to rejoin mate Shadow and their fledged eaglets, Sandy and Luna.
