The famed Big Bear bald eagle, Jackie, continues to show improvement.
Less than two weeks ago, the famous mama bird, whose life is broadcast via a continuous livestream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley, an environmental nonprofit, was found grounded for hours after a fight with two young adult eagles, also known as sub-adults. Jackie has been receiving medical care at the Ventura County wildlife rescue facility, Ojai Raptor Center, for diagnosis and treatment of a condition that has weakened her.
A Wednesday afternoon Ojai update posted on social media said Jackie has taken an “encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger.”
“We’re pleased to share that she has now been moved from our intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to one of our regular hospital care units. While this marks an encouraging milestone, she remains a very sick patient and continues to require intensive treatment and monitoring,” the post read.
The update follows another significant medical juncture in Jackie’s medical timeline while at Ojai.
Last week, Jackie underwent a successful, late-night blood transfusion. The wildlife center called the procedure “life-saving.” Jackie’s donor was another bald eagle in Bakersfield, a resident at the California Living Museum. The Ojai medical staff was also assisted by the museum’s veterinary and animal care teams.
Of course, a community of well-wishers flocked to the comment section of the Wednesday Ojai Facebook update to share their thoughts, a typical trend associated with every post.
“I realize it’s one step forward, but that’s how it goes. One step forward. Jackie is very strong and very resilient. She’ll be back home before long, y’all watch,” Cecilia Philyaw wrote on the Ojai post.
Philyaw joins thousands of over comments, garnering over 4,200 comments on Facebook within the hour Ojai posted the update.
Jackie has also been receiving medical assistance through an online portal created by Ojai. As of late Wednesday, over 15,585 public contributions have been offered to help Jackie continue receiving medical care.
Friends of Big Bear Valley also published a companion update Wednesday afternoon on its social media channels, reminding the public that the nonprofit is not a wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinary center.
“We cannot comment on the current medical condition of Jackie or what all the tests have been done on her. Ojai has given us a larger picture of the situation, but not every detail. If you have medical questions regarding her tests or condition, please comment on their Facebook post by clicking on their name in the article,” the FBBV Facebook post read.
The post continued by providing an update on Jackie and Shadow’s 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna.
“Sandy and Luna were last seen on camera in the area on July 23. Though we cannot say for certain, it does look like they may have left the area on their great journey,” the update said.
The future remains unclear for Jackie and Shadow. FBBV said the plan is for Jackie to be released from Ojai to be reunited with her next in Big Bear, though it does not have a timeline for when that would happen.
As for Shadow, the FBBV post said that he remains loyal to his nest, territory, and to Jackie.
But things could change.
“He (Shadow) may decide to hold out for the long term, he may find a new mate, or he may even leave the Big Bear area. We can only observe, hope for the best and see what the outcome is,” the FBBV post read.