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Big Bear's bald eagle remains in critical condition but 'positive' news is coming, officials say
Dr. Kat Rasp and her team performing a blood transfusion on the rescued eagle.
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Ojai Raptor Center
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OjaiRaptorCenter.org
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Topline:
The Big Bear bald eagle believed to be Jackie remains in critical but stable condition. The Ojai Raptor Center, which is caring for her, said on social media Monday that positive news is coming soon.
The update: The center's update said Jackie is receiving round-the-clock treatment and is in intensive care. She experienced a “setback” on Saturday after receiving a blood transfusion and has shown improvement since then, according to the center. Her energy improved and has become more feisty during feedings.
Do we know what’s wrong? There is no definitive diagnosis at this time despite diagnostic testing and consultation with experienced wildlife veterinarians. The center's staff said cases like this can be complex and they will keep adjusting Jackie's treatment as new information becomes available.
Background: Jackie was rescued in Big Bear after a brief fight with two other eagles earlier this month, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the environmental nonprofit that runs a YouTube livestream of Jackie and Shadow’s famous nest. The eagle was taken in by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue and transferred to a specialized rehabilitation facility for further care, according to county officials.
Go deeper… a fundraiser to buy land near Big Bear’s famous bald eagle nest surpasses $10M goal.
About the bald eagle livestream
Live images get from the nest high above Big Bear Lake to your eyeballs via a pair of cameras — one that provides close-ups of the nest, and another trained on the tree Jackie and Shadow roost in.
- The rig runs off a 24-volt solar system with ethernet cables for the cameras.
- The cameras move incredibly slowly — about one or two degrees per second — so as to not disturb the animals living around it.
- The one closest to the nest has been covered in a smoked dome to conceal the lens.
- A low-intensity infrared light allows viewers to see the nest at night. The light itself isn't visible to the eagles, us humans, or the nest’s recurring guest star, Fiona the flying squirrel.
- The cameras are operated by three anonymous Friends of Big Bear Valley volunteers, including one in Europe who handles the late shift.
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Makenna Cramer contributed to this story.
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