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Big Bear Eagle Jackie in Critical Condition at Ojai Raptor Center

Supportive care is underway as veterinarians await bloodwork and toxicology to learn whether environmental toxins or disease caused her severe anemia.

Overview

  • Rescuers found the adult eagle grounded after a territorial fight and San Dimas Raptor Rescue transferred the weakened bird to the Ojai Raptor Center for specialized care on Saturday.
  • Initial bloodwork at Ojai showed severe anemia and inflammation of the kidneys, and clinicians have started supportive treatment while more tests are pending.
  • Veterinarians are specifically testing for lead, zinc and rodenticides because those toxins can produce the anemia and weakness seen in adult raptors, but no cause has been confirmed.
  • Identification as Jackie is likely but not certain because the bird is unbanded; Friends of Big Bear Valley reached that conclusion after comparing public and rehab photos and video.
  • Back at the Big Bear nest, Jackie’s mate Shadow is feeding and defending the eaglets and supporters have launched fundraising and public updates as the rehabilitation continues.