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2w ago

Big Bear Eagle Believed to Be Jackie Remains in Critical Care After Life‑Saving Transfusion

Veterinarians performed an emergency blood transfusion as they run toxin and disease tests to identify why she developed severe anemia.

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Shadow, Luna and Sandy look out over Big Bear Lake, California, on July 22, 2026, as their mate and mother, Jackie, is getting assessed and treated 170 miles away at the Ojai Raptor Center.
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Overview

  • The adult eagle was found grounded after a territorial fight with two subadult eagles and was rescued early Saturday by Big Bear firefighters and Los Angeles County’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue before transfer to Ojai Raptor Center.
  • Initial bloodwork at Ojai identified severe anemia and inflammation of the kidneys and prompted intensive supportive care in the center’s urgent care unit.
  • Staff performed a life‑saving blood transfusion using blood from Spirit, a CALM Zoo eagle, and CT imaging found no obvious cancer or fishing tackle.
  • Tests have ruled out lead and metal foreign objects but results for zinc and other toxin or disease causes remain pending and the team is treating proactively for possible exposures.
  • Back at the nest, Jackie’s mate Shadow is feeding and defending eaglets Sandy and Luna while Friends of Big Bear Valley asks the public to give the rehab team space and to donate to cover care costs.