Big Bear Eagle's Unknown Illness
Big Bear's Famous Eagle Jackie Still Awaits Diagnosis Amid Ongoing Health Mystery
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Jackie, the famous bald eagle mom from Big Bear Lake, has left the intensive care unit — but doctors still do not know what is making her sick. The Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County announced she moved out of the ICU on July 29, according to Press Enterprise.
Jackie was found grounded for hours less than two weeks ago after a fight with two young adult eagles. She has since received blood work, physical exams, toxicology screening, and even a blood transfusion — but her illness remains a mystery, Daily News reported.
A Blood Transfusion From a Bakersfield Eagle
Jackie's treatment has been intense. Doctors gave her a blood transfusion, and her donor was a bald eagle living in Bakersfield, according to OC Register. The transfusion was part of a broad effort to stabilize her condition after she was found unable to fly following the fight.
Despite all the care, her blood work still shows two problems. She has anemia, which means her blood is not carrying enough oxygen. She also has an elevated white blood cell count. That can mean her body is fighting inflammation, stress, or an infection, SB Sun reported.
Doctors Rule Out Several Serious Conditions
The good news is that vets have crossed several dangerous causes off the list. Doctors ruled out lead poisoning and zinc toxicity. They also ruled out rodenticide poisoning, which is caused by rat poison. Renal disease, meaning kidney failure, was ruled out as well, according to Press Telegram.
Aspergillosis, a fungal infection that commonly kills raptors, was also cleared. That is a significant finding. The disease attacks the lungs and is hard to treat in birds like eagles. Ruling it out narrows the search, but the root cause still has not been found, Daily Breeze reported.
Jackie's Fight With Two Young Eagles Started It All
The trouble began less than two weeks ago. Jackie got into a physical fight with two young adult eagles near Big Bear Lake. After the clash, she was found grounded and could not take off. Wildlife workers stepped in and rushed her to the Ojai Raptor Center for emergency care, Daily News reported.
Jackie is well known to eagle fans. She has been watched by thousands of people through a live nest camera at Big Bear Lake for years. Her illness has drawn wide attention, with supporters following updates closely as her care team works to find answers.
What Comes Next for Jackie's Recovery
Moving out of the ICU is a positive step, but Jackie is not out of danger. Her care team at the Ojai Raptor Center continues to monitor her blood levels. Doctors are still running tests to find the cause of her anemia and high white blood cell count, according to OC Register.
Until the root cause is found, vets cannot be sure what treatment she needs next. Officials have not given a timeline for when Jackie might return to Big Bear Lake. Her fans and wildlife supporters are being asked to wait for further updates from the center.
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