Jackie the bald eagle remains in critical condition
Internet-famous eagle mom's blood values decline further during treatment
1Jackie's critical condition
Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle mother, remains in intensive care at Ojai Raptor Center. Her blood values continue to decline, with packed cell volume (PCV) dropping below 10%. The team provides oxygen therapy and supportive treatment with 24/7 monitoring. Contrast CT scans and bone marrow biopsies conducted last week yielded new insights, while additional specialized test results are still pending.
2Injury background
Jackie was found injured near Dana Point Park on July 17. Cellphone footage revealed she had clashed with two juvenile eagles. While she successfully defended herself using her talons, she couldn't fly away due to her injuries. After three weeks of treatment, she was diagnosed with anemia. Ojai Raptor Center emphasizes all decisions prioritize Jackie's medical condition and welfare.
3Breeding success
Jackie and her mate Shadow are a famous eagle pair living in San Bernardino National Forest. After ravens destroyed two eggs in January, they laid new eggs that hatched into chicks named Sandy and Luna on April 4-5. Their nest in Big Bear Valley is livestreamed 24/7 by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). The eaglets left the nest on July 23 - eagles typically fledge at 10-14 weeks old.
4Eaglets' survival challenges
Eagle chicks face threats from hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls during nesting. In March 2025, one of Jackie and Shadow's three chicks died in a snowstorm. Only 70% of eaglets survive fledging. Roadkill scavenging makes vehicle collisions another major risk. FOBBV doesn't tag eagles, so fledglings have been spotted from Baja California to British Columbia and Yellowstone National Park.
5Parents' breeding history
Jackie and Shadow have been together since 2018, successfully raising chicks in 2019 and 2022 but experiencing failed hatches in 2023-2024. With only 50% of eagle eggs typically hatching, this pair has beaten the odds. In 2025, three eggs produced two survivors (Sunny and Gizmo) after a storm. These eaglets were named from 54,000 fan submissions and have now fledged.
6Conservation efforts
FOBBV reached its $10 million goal to protect land around Big Bear Lake, thanks partly to a $5.5 million donation from OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife Anna. Previously, 25,000 donors had contributed nearly half the required funds. Supporters can also donate to Ojai Raptor Center's Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign for Jackie's treatment.
7Science media conflict
Popular Science's parent company Ziff Davis sued OpenAI in April 2025, alleging copyright infringement in AI training. This legal tension contrasts with Brockman's conservation donation through the same AI company. The case highlights complex intersections between wildlife conservation, media, and technology industries.
8Why it matters
Jackie's story has become symbolic of wildlife conservation challenges facing iconic species. With millions following this eagle family, their journey illuminates species survival struggles. Jackie's recovery holds significance beyond one individual - it represents public engagement with wildlife preservation and ecosystem health awareness.
Original article: Popular Science — Jackie adlı kel kartalın sağlık durumu kritik