Bald eagle Jackie transferred from ICU to regular care at Ojai Raptor Center

The Ojai Raptor Center announced Wednesday that Jackie, a bald eagle rescued after a fight with younger eagles near Big Bear Lake, has been transferred from its intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to a regular hospital care unit. > "While this marks an encouraging milestone, she remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring," the center wrote in a social-media post. > "This is an encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger."

Jackie is identified at the facility as patient 26-519, in accordance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations that limit public images of rehabilitation animals to those showing natural behavior or appropriate medical treatment.

Veterinarians noted that Jackie arrived anemic with kidney inflammation and received a blood transfusion from another female eagle, Spirit, housed at the CALM Zoo in Bakersfield. The center continues to investigate the underlying cause of her illness.

Jackie's mate, Shadow, has been observed caring for the couple’s two eaglets, Sandy and Luna, which have since fledged and are no longer seen on nest cameras. Local nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) reported that the eaglets likely left the area and that Shadow remains in the habitat, though his future movements are uncertain.

Bald-eagle expert Dr. Peter Sharpe, consulted by FOBBV, said a subadult eagle seen near the nest is unlikely to be seeking a mate, as it is still below the typical breeding age for the species.

The Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie is showing signs of improvement, including feeding herself and displaying increased energy and alertness. Once her health is fully restored, she is expected to be released back to the Big Bear area near her original nest.