Govind Tekale
Jackie, the beloved bald eagle who has nested at Big Bear Lake, California for years and captivated millions of livestream viewers, is recovering at the Ojai Raptor Center following a life-saving blood transfusion. Identified as Patient 26-519, Jackie received donated blood from Spirit — a resident bald eagle at the California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) in Bakersfield — in a procedure that wildlife veterinarians say was critical to her survival.
According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, Jackie arrived at Ojai in critical condition with severe anaemia. The transfusion — one of the relatively rare avian inter-individual blood procedures — required matching compatible eagle blood from a donor in human care.
Spirit: The Unsung Hero
Spirit, a permanent resident eagle at CALM Zoo who cannot be released to the wild due to a wing injury, donated the blood that may have saved Jackie’s life. KTLA reported that Spirit’s role as an avian blood donor is one of the lesser-known contributions wildlife institutions make to wild animal conservation.
Jackie’s Eaglets and Recovery
Jackie’s eaglets — Sandy and Luna — were last seen at the nest on July 23, 2026, and are believed to be ranging independently as young eagles typically do by mid-summer. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, has remained in the Big Bear Valley area, though raptor behaviour experts say Shadow is unlikely to seek a new mate before December or January — typical for bald eagle pair bonding cycles.
The most encouraging news: staff at Ojai Raptor Center report Jackie is now perching, eating actively, and described her demeanour as “bright, strong, and feisty” — all positive indicators in raptor rehabilitation, according to Victor Valley News Group.
What’s Next for Jackie?
Rehabilitation timelines for blood-loss anaemia in raptors vary depending on the underlying cause. Veterinarians will continue monitoring Jackie’s bloodwork before assessing whether she can be returned to Big Bear Lake. Friends of Big Bear Valley will provide updates via their livestream channel, which remains active at the Big Bear Bald Eagle nest cam.
