Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear, California, is facing a troubling setback in her recovery. On August 3, 2026, the Ojai Raptor Center announced that Jackie’s packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%, indicating a regression in her severe anemia.
Why it matters: This decline in Jackie’s health is concerning for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists who have closely followed her recovery. Jackie's story has captivated many, highlighting the challenges faced by wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Jackie was previously reported to have a PCV of 17%, showing improvement before this latest setback.
The Ojai Raptor Center is working diligently to understand the underlying causes of her worsening condition.
Supporters can contribute to Jackie's rehabilitation through donations to the center's Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign.
Driving the news: The Ojai Raptor Center provided an update on Jackie following recent blood tests that indicated a troubling drop in her PCV. "Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news," the center stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Veterinarians are conducting additional advanced diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause of Jackie’s anemia.
Jackie has been under specialized care since she was rescued on July 17, 2026, after being found grounded and unable to fly.
Her condition had previously shown signs of improvement, including increased energy levels.
State of play: Jackie’s health has been a rollercoaster since she was admitted to the Ojai Raptor Center two weeks ago. She was rescued after a confrontation with two subadult eagles near Dana Point Park.
Initial assessments ruled out several potential causes of her illness, including lead and zinc toxicosis, aspergillosis, rodenticide toxicosis, and renal disease.
Veterinary teams continue to explore other potential medical issues that could be affecting her health.
Jackie’s partner, Shadow, and their chicks, Sandy and Luna, are no longer visible at the nest, as they likely fledged by August 1, 2026.
The big picture: Jackie has become an internet sensation, attracting attention from wildlife lovers around the world. Her story reflects broader issues facing wildlife rehabilitation and the challenges of conserving species like the bald eagle.
Jackie and Shadow have successfully raised chicks in previous years, but the challenges of wildlife parenting are evident.
In 2025, a snowstorm claimed one of their chicks, underscoring the difficulties these birds face in the wild.
Approximately 70% of eaglets survive the fledging process, highlighting the risks involved for young eagles.
What they're saying: The Ojai Raptor Center expressed gratitude for the public’s support during this challenging time. They have urged the community to respect the privacy of their veterinary staff as they focus on Jackie’s care.
“We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support,” the center stated.
They also emphasized the importance of allowing their teams the time and space needed to provide the best care for Jackie.
By the numbers: The situation surrounding Jackie highlights important statistics about bald eagle recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
Jackie’s packed cell volume (PCV) has decreased from 17% to 13%, indicating a serious decline in her health.
Only about 50% of eagle eggs successfully hatch, illustrating the difficulties faced by eagle pairs like Jackie and Shadow.
Approximately 70% of eaglets survive the fledging stage, which poses additional threats from predators and environmental factors.
What's next: The Ojai Raptor Center is committed to continuing its efforts to diagnose and treat Jackie’s condition. They have promised to keep the public updated as new information becomes available.
The veterinary team is hopeful that advanced testing will provide insights into the cause of Jackie’s anemia.
Supporters can follow updates on social media from the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Donations to support Jackie's treatment can be made through the Ojai Raptor Center’s website.
As the situation develops, wildlife enthusiasts remain hopeful for Jackie’s recovery and continue to rally support for her treatment and rehabilitation efforts.