Bald Eagle Jackie Critically Ill; Big Bear Habitat Funding Secured

Internet-famous bald eagle Jackie, a prominent figure in the Big Bear Valley, is currently in critical but stable condition at the Ojai Raptor Center following a series of concerning events. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), responsible for the live nest cameras that brought Jackie and her mate to global attention in 2015, has been actively involved in her care and conservation efforts. Media manager Jenny Voisard and her team at FOBBV have experienced a range of emotions as they navigate the situation and work towards broader conservation goals for the valley's wildlife.

Jackie's health decline began around July 4th, with her absence from the nest and unusual behavior noted by observers. Voisard reported that Jackie had not been to the nest much since the fireworks, and when seen on July 12th, she was not behaving normally and appeared to be starving. Adding to her distress, Jackie engaged in multiple altercations with visiting sub-adult eagles. While she successfully defended herself in earlier encounters, a confrontation on Friday, July 17th, left her on the ground and unable to fly away. Concerned citizens maintained a safe distance and initiated rescue efforts.

On Saturday, July 18th, at 2 a.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team successfully intervened with Jackie's assistance. The rescuers coordinated with FOBBV, and Jackie was subsequently transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center on the same day. At the center, her veterinary team diagnosed her with severe anemia and inflammation of the kidneys. The specific underlying cause for these conditions remains undiscovered as of the latest updates. On Monday, the Ojai Raptor Center reported a positive development, noting an increase in Jackie's packed cell volume, a key indicator of red blood cell concentration in the blood. This metric is crucial for assessing her recovery from anemia. Concurrently, significant fundraising efforts have been successful in securing the necessary donations to preserve the Big Bear habitat, ensuring the continued protection of the eagles' environment. The community's response has been overwhelming, with substantial financial contributions pouring in to support both Jackie's medical care and the long-term conservation of her home.