One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Big Bear’s rescued bald eagle believed to be Jackie in ‘critical’ condition, wildlife rehab says
Dr. Kat Rasp, veterinarian, and Eliza Cameron, hospital and rehabilitation manager, examine the rescued eagle.
(
Ojai Raptor Center
/
OjaiRaptorCenter.org
)
Topline:
The bald eagle rescued from Big Bear believed to be Jackie from the famous feathered family is in “critical” condition with severe anemia and kidney issues, according to the Ojai Raptor Center.
Why it matters: Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that runs the popular nest livestream, said they’re waiting to see if there are any signs of lead, zinc or rodenticide in the rescued eagle’s system. Lead poisoning isn’t unusual in North American eagles, with nearly 50% of birds sampled in an eight-year study showing repeated exposure to toxic levels of lead. “Thank you for your support, well wishes to Jackie and the entire eagle family,” the nonprofit said on social media. “Keep the positive energy and prayers coming.”
The backstory: The Ojai Raptor Center has been caring for the eagle since it was transferred from L.A. County's San Dimas Raptor Rescue on Saturday. Friends of Big Bear Valley said X-rays ruled out fishing hooks, sinkers and other metal objects in the rescued bird.
An adult eagle was rescued in Big Bear by the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team.
(
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation
/
Facebook
)
Is it really her: Jackie is not banded, and there is no way to be 100% sure the rescued eagle is her, according to the center and nonprofit officials. However, Jackie hasn’t been seen in the nest for more than a week, and Friends of Big Bear Valley has said “it is apparent that the rescued eagle is likely Jackie.”
What's next: The Ojai Raptor Center said it is “still a very serious case” and they’re trying to figure out what’s causing it with more bloodwork and test results on the way. “While the patient remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome,” the facility shared on social media Tuesday.
Sponsored message
Go deeper: Bald eagle believed to be Jackie rescued in Big Bear after bird fight, environmental org says
How to help
Jenny Voisard, Friends of Big Bear Valley's media manager, told LAist the best way to help is by donating to organizations caring for the rescued eagle and other wildlife.
- The San Dimas Raptor Rescue takes in hundreds of birds each year and returns them to the wild once they can survive on their own.
- You can donate here.
- The Ojai Raptor Center also rehabilitates and releases sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.
- You can donate here.
- The public is urged not to contact the facilities directly for updates as it could distract from the care they're providing.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
