Jackie, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle, released from intensive care but ‘very ill’
Jackie, one half of the adorable Big Bear eagle couple, has been released from intensive care, an encouraging sign for the raptor who was rescued from critical condition earlier this month.
In a social media post Wednesday announcing the development, the Ojai Raptor Center emphasized that Jackie “remains a very sick patient” and continues to receive intensive care in a regular hospital setting. While in the previous unit, the 14-year-old bird required oxygen therapy.
“This is an encouraging step, but it does not mean that she is in danger,” according to the center, which has been treating and seeking to diagnose Jackie since she was transferred on July 18.
When Jackie was rescued from the shores of Big Bear Lake, she was underweight and depressed. Video footage taken shortly before he was shot showed him walking with two young eagles, but tests revealed no injuries or broken bones.
A recent post from the Ojai center did not include updates on what may have caused his symptoms, including severe anemia. Experts have ruled out lead poisoning and ingestions, but diagnosis remains difficult.
During treatment, Jackie received a life-saving blood transfusion from a donor eagle. On Saturday, he faced difficulties when his blood level dropped again, but since then he has been on the mend.
The agency does not refer to its patient as Jackie, but as “26-519,” noting in another post that laws prevent it from discussing its cases publicly. However, it is now widely accepted that they are taking care of this famous bird.
Jackie and her longtime friend Shadow rose to celebrity status with live broadcasts of their nest drawing thousands of viewers. As Jackie’s health saga continues, fans have wondered – and worried – what will happen to the couple.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit organization that runs the nest’s live stream, admitted in a social media post Wednesday that they don’t know what’s next. After Jackie leaves, Shadow is seen in a tree with a young eagle, possibly the woman who briefly fought with Jackie.
“We are all worried and want to know what the future holds for Shadow, only he knows,” the non-profit organization wrote. “We can say that Shadow is loyal to his nest, the place and Jackie. He may decide to stick around for a long time, he may find a new partner, or he may leave the Big Bear area. We can only watch, hope for the best and see what the outcome is.”
The non-profit organization said the plan is to release Jackie back into her native land if she is healthy and able to hunt and defend herself.
If these two eagles go their separate ways, it could be the end of the era of the couple that was formed in 2018 when Shadow fired Jackie’s ex-partner.
During this nesting season, the couple raised two eaglets – Sandy and Luna – who successfully fledged. None of the minors have been seen on the non-profit’s two cameras since Thursday.
“Although we can’t say for sure, it looks like they left the area on their big trip,” said the non-profit organization, wishing them a “safe and prosperous life.”
