Big Bear eagle Jackie remains critically ill and 'unstable' as PCV continues to fall, vet team says

Bald Eagle Big Bear eagle Jackie remains critically ill and 'unstable' as PCV continues to fall, vet team says "The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult," the Ojai Raptor Center wrote in an update on social media.

Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie remains in critical condition after suffering another medical setback while receiving treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. OJAI, Calif. (KABC) -- Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie remains critically ill as she receives treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center, according to an update released on Sunday.

"The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult," the wildlife rescue wrote in an update on social media.

The vet team described Jackie's condition as "unstable" in the latest update, noting that her packed cell volume (PCV) fell below 6% on Saturday. The Ojai Raptor Center said it rose to 9% on Sunday, but while that is a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low, and her overall condition remains "extremely serious."

The video above is from a previous report.

PCV measures the percentage of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

"At this time, there is no further medical update we can provide. Our entire focus remains on Patient 26-519's welfare and providing the care she needs," the Ojai Raptor Center wrote in the latest update. "Every decision continues to be guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest."

The rescue center noted that Jackie's care and condition are being closely evaluated by a collaborative team that includes nine veterinarians, plus representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

On Friday, the vet team shared that Jackie was continuing to receive oxygen therapy in their intensive care unit as her PCV values began to fall, indicating her anemia had worsened.

The wildlife center said new diagnostic procedures had yielded important information as veterinarians continue trying to determine the cause of her illness. They did not provide further details on what new information was discovered.

"This week's contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending," the center said on Friday. "Our veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists across the country as we evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in her care."

After Jackie was discovered grounded near Big Bear Lake and rescued three weeks ago, experts said she was anemic with inflammation affecting her kidneys. She previously received a life-saving blood transfusion from a fellow female eagle named Spirit, a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield.

Jackie is one half of the well-known bald eagle pair featured on Friends of Big Bear Valley's (FOBBV) live nest camera alongside her mate, Shadow.

Officials said additional testing is still pending.

"We will share another update when we have meaningful information to provide," the center wrote.

The couple's nest has been empty as of late. On Thursday, a subadult eagle, about 4 years old, was seen spending some time on the nest. FOBBV said it isn't uncommon for visitors to stop by the nest in the offseason.

As for Jackie and Shadow's eaglets that hatched earlier this year, Sandy and Luna, they haven't been seen on the cameras since July 23, and it's possible they've left the Big Bear area for good to start their own journeys.

"They can fly far and wide. So they can fly all the way up to Yellowstone or even Canada," said Jenny Voisard, spokesperson for Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Since mating season doesn't begin until the end of autumn, Jackie has some time to recover, and officials say time is on their side.

Meanwhile, FOBBV describes this time before mating season as a "vacation" for Jackie and Shadow, meaning it is normal for Shadow to not been seen around and in the nest.

He was spotted, however, perching in a nearby tree on Thursday, according to FOBBV.