The Ojai Raptor Center announced Jackie the bald eagle’s anemia has worsened, with her packed cell volume dropping below 10%—a critical threshold compared to the ideal level of above 30%. Jackie remains in intensive care, receiving oxygen therapy and supportive treatment after her condition declined further, according to a statement from the center on Friday.
Chris Eksteen, the center’s executive director, acknowledged the emotional toll on Jackie’s global fanbase, stating, “We know how deeply many of you care about this eagle, and we understand how difficult it is to receive an update like this. We wish we had better news to share.”
The decline follows Jackie’s arrival at the Ojai Raptor Center in mid-July after she was found weak and unable to fly near Big Bear Lake. Initial tests revealed severe anemia, prompting a life-saving blood transfusion from another eagle. Eksteen noted that symptoms suggest Jackie had been unwell for some time before her rescue, though the exact cause remains undetermined.
Public Support Meets Backlash
Jackie and her mate Shadow gained fame through a 24/7 livestream of their nest, which has drawn millions of viewers over the years. Fans have rallied behind Jackie’s recovery, but the Ojai Raptor Center has faced an overwhelming response from the public, including accusations of exploiting Jackie for donations and demands for unproven treatments.
Jenny Voisard, a spokeswoman for Friends of Big Bear Valley—the group behind the livestream—described the situation as “a firehose of people having questions and emotions.” The center’s small staff has been inundated with phone calls, social media messages, and even unexpected visits, complicating their efforts to focus on Jackie’s care.
Some supporters have suggested unorthodox remedies, such as playing audio of Shadow and the eaglets to Jackie or attributing her illness to a spider bite. Others have accused the center of prioritizing publicity over treatment, though the facility emphasized it treats up to 1,500 sick, injured, or orphaned birds annually without profit motives.
Background: A Celebrity’s Struggle
Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle, and Shadow have been a featured pair in the livestream for years, raising chicks together, including two this season. Jackie’s sudden decline has left fans hopeful yet anxious about her prognosis. The Ojai Raptor Center has not provided a timeline for potential recovery but continues to update the public as her condition evolves.
Eksteen reiterated the center’s commitment to transparency, stating their goal is to balance public concern with the practical demands of wildlife rehabilitation. “We are doing everything we can for Jackie,” he said, while urging patience and restraint from the public.