Bald Eagle Jackie Rescued Near Big Bear Lake Receives Life‑Saving Blood Transfusion

Jackie, the internet‑famous bald eagle that lives on a 24‑hour nest cam at Big Bear Lake, was found grounded and unable to fly after a territorial fight with two sub‑adult eagles on July 18. Rescue teams from the San Dimas Raptor Rescue, Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Los Angeles County Fire Department stabilized her and transferred her to the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County for specialized care.

Veterinarians diagnosed severe anemia and inflammation of her kidneys. Initial tests ruled out lead poisoning, foreign objects and obvious trauma. The cause of the illness remains under investigation, with pending analyses for zinc, rodenticide exposure and other toxins.

A critical milestone in her treatment was a life‑saving blood transfusion performed in late July, using blood donated by Spirit, a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) in Bakersfield. The transfusion, together with advanced CT imaging provided by the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group, has stabilized Jackie.

Jackie remains in critical condition but is alert, perching, and eating with assistance and occasional self‑feeding. Care continues around the clock as specialists work to determine the underlying cause of her anemia and to support her recovery.