Big Bear bald eagle Jackie leaves intensive care but remains 'very sick'

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred Jackie, half of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle couple, has been moved out of intensive care, an encouraging sign for the raptor who was rescued in critical condition earlier this month.In a Wednesday social media post announcing the development, the Ojai Raptor Center stressed that Jackie “remains a very sick patient” and continues to receive intensive treatment in a regular hospital care unit.While in the previous unit, the 14-year-old bird required oxygen therapy.

“This is an encouraging step forward, but it does not mean she is out of danger,” according to the center, which has treated and sought to diagnose Jackie since she was transferred there on July 18.When Jackie was rescued from the shore of Big Bear Lake, she was underweight and disheveled.Video footage taken shortly before her capture showed her sparring with two younger eagles, but exams revealed no wounds or broken bones.The Ojai center’s recent post did not include updates on what might be causing her symptoms, including severe anemia.

Experts have ruled out lead toxicity and swallowed objects, but a diagnosis remains elusive.While in treatment, Jackie received a life-saving blood transfusion from a donor eagle.On Saturday, she suffered a setback when her blood values dropped again, but she’s been on the mend since.The center doesn’t refer to its patient as Jackie, but as “26-519,” noting in another post that regulations prohibit it from publicly referring to its charges by names.

However, it’s become widely accepted that they’re caring for the famed bird.Jackie and longtime mate Shadow rose to celeb status through a livestream of their nest that draws thousands of viewers.While Jackie’s health saga unfolds, fans have wondered — and worried — what will become of the pair.Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit ...