Bald eagle Jackie receives critical care at Ojai Raptor Center as vets await test results

Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle that has been livestreamed from her nest at Big Bear Lake since 2015, was rescued after an encounter with two younger eagles and transported 170 miles to the Ojai Raptor Center in Southern California. Veterinarians say she is in critical condition, underweight, and suffering from severe anemia and kidney inflammation, and are awaiting further blood tests to identify the underlying issue. > "While the eagle remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome," the center said on July 21. The facility reported that X-rays have not revealed any embedded metal objects.

Experts note that bald eagles frequently suffer from rodenticide or metal poisoning, injuries from power lines, gunshots, or traps, and sometimes from fights with other birds. Jennifer Cedarleaf, avian director at the Alaska Raptor Center, explained that rodenticide poisoning can cause slow, fatal bleeding, while lead or zinc exposure can be equally harmful. She added that treatment options depend on toxin levels, and in severe cases euthanasia may be considered.

The Ojai Raptor Center has previously rehabilitated a juvenile eagle with rodenticide poisoning, using vitamin K therapy before releasing the bird back into the wild. Staff observing Jackie noted that she is eating and showing spirited behavior, such as playfully resisting handlers. Fans of the eagle have expressed concern, but Cedarleaf said she remains hopeful that Jackie will recover and eventually return to her habitat.