Jackie the bald eagle in 'critical' condition with 'severe' anemia

Jackie the bald eagle remains in critical condition as she continues to suffer from severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys, the Ojai Raptor Center announced Tuesday.

Although wildlife experts determined that she suffered no serious injuries after she was attacked by a pair of bald-eagles on the north shore of Big Bear Lake last week, she is still ailing from undetermined health problems.

“Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case,” the Ojai Raptor Center said. “While the eagle remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome.”

Wildlife experts are still performing tests to determine the cause of her illness. Experts have not ruled out rodenticide or heavy metal poisoning. Additional bloodwork is being done to determine if the bird has heightened levels of lead or zinc in her system. X-rays showed no signs of fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects in her body.

“Wildlife medicine takes time, and some answers simply cannot be rushed,” the Ojai Raptor Center said. “As we learn more about this patient’s condition, we will continue to share meaningful updates with you.”

Jackie is one half of Big Bear’s famous bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, which is featured on live cameras hosted by the environmental organization Friends of Big Bear Valley. The mated pair is currently in the midst of raising a second pair of eaglets.

Despite her underlying illness, Jackie is alert and energetic, the Ojai Raptor Center said.

“We loved hearing that Jackie has more energy this morning,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said. “She is mad and fighting the staff … That’s our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle! She is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own. She is still standing up and perching.”

Shadow continues to raise the couple’s fledgling eaglets in Jackie’s absence, live video of the nest shows. Video of the nest Tuesday showed Shadow calling out at 4:16 p.m., possibly for Jackie, who has been missing from the nest for nearly a week.

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