Live updates: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie remains in critical condition after blood transfusion

Jackie's condition remains critical as specialists continue working to determine the cause of her anemia.

Newly released images show Jackie undergoing a blood transfusion and a CT scan after she was attacked last week.

Jackie's condition remains critical as specialists continue working to determine the cause of her anemia.

"Her condition remains critical at this time, and this is not a straightforward case, so we are consulting with several specialists," said Eliza Cameron of the Ojai Raptor Center. "A treatment plan is being developed to ensure we're covering all bases while we work to determine the cause of anemia."

The incident has drawn attention from wildlife enthusiasts following the popular eagle pair. Falconer Adam Baz said the situation highlights the dangers birds of prey face in the wild.

"A lot of times these birds fight to establish dominance or territory or sometimes take over a territory or a mate," Baz said.

Friends of Big Bear Valley released photos showing a subadult eagle perched with Jackie's mate, Shadow. The group said it is possible the bird could be one of the eagles involved in the attack on Jackie.

Wildlife experts say that even if Jackie recovers and returns, her partnership with Shadow could change.

"She could go off and find a new territory and find a new mate and start all over again. These birds are really resilient," said Dr. Todd Katzner, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

As supporters around the world continue to follow Jackie's recovery, Baz said the eagle has already made a lasting impact.

"I think Jackie and Shadow are important in it of themselves, but also, they're kind of ambassadors for all eagles, and in many ways, all wild animals," Baz said.

Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie received a life-saving blood transfusion from another eagle but remains in critical condition despite showing encouraging signs of improvement, according to the latest update from her caregivers at the Ojai Raptor Center.

The successful transfusion was made possible with the help of Spirit, the resident Bald Eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield.

Testing also ruled out lead toxicosis and the presence of foreign objects like fishing hooks, lines and weights.

Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie received a life-saving transfusion from another eagle but remains in critical condition despite showing improvement.

Her kidney inflammation appears to have improved, the Center said. She also is eating well, perching and remains bright and strong.

Jackie remains severely anemic, the organization Friends of Big Bear Valley said, the nonprofit that operates the eagle nest camera.

"She was taken in for a CT scan; there are no obvious signs of cancer or any metals in her body," said the organization.

The veterinary team of specialists continues working to determine the the underlying cause of the bird's illness as Jackie continues to receive intensive care.

The rehabilitation team cautioned that it is still too early to predict the outcome of her treatment and recovery.

"While we are encouraged by the dedication and collaboration surrounding this case, it is still too early to predict the outcome," the update posted on Facebook said. "We know many of you are hoping for more answers, and so are we. Wildlife medicine often requires patience, and some answers simply take time."

Another update is expected to be shared Monday.

As Jackie continues to receive critical care, we're learning more about what the future may look like for the Big Bear's beloved bald eagle and her mate, Shadow.

As Jackie continues to receive care, we're learning more about what the future may look like for Big Bear's beloved bald eagle and her mate, Shadow.

In an update on Wednesday evening, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that operates the eagle nest camera, wrote that Shadow is continuing to care for, feed and protect Sandy and Luna in Jackie's absence. They noted that he's been protecting the nest from other subadult eagles, who are categorized as under 5 years old, in the area.

FOBBV wrote that Luna even appeared to chase an intruder away a couple days ago.

Meanwhile, Sandy and Luna are exploring further out in the habitat and staying away from the cameras for longer periods of time despite still visiting the nest daily.

FOBBV released a photo which they say shows Shadow sitting on a tree perch with a subadult nearby on Wednesday, and volunteers believe it could possibly be the same female eagle that had a short skirmish with Jackie.

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, continues to receive care after she was rescued, but officials say her condition remains critical.

Will Shadow move on?

Many fans of the bald eagle couple have been concerned that Shadow might leave the nest while Jackie is away. FOBBV said they spoke to an expert who said that due to Jackie and Shadow's incredible bond, it is unlikely he will move on for now. The expert noted that Shadow likely won't be looking for a mate until his hormones kick in, which could be around the end of December or early January.

Meanwhile, Dr. Todd Katzner, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, explains what happens when eagles lose their partner.

"When that happens, they typically replace that partner. How quickly it happens tends to depend on the population density. As soon as a space opens up, somebody's going to come in and grab that space because they don't have many opportunities to get those spaces," Katzner said.

But is it possible that Jackie can make a comeback, reclaim her nest, her territory and her mate?

Katzner said yes, but she could also return and find a new nest and another mate to start a new life.

MORE: Will Jackie's mate Shadow move on as she recovers? Here's what experts say about the Big Bear couple

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, remains in critical condition but is receiving care after she was discovered on the ground near Big Bear Lake.

The Ojai Raptor Center, where she's being treated, described Jackie's case as "very serious." Vet teams believe Jackie was already sick before witnesses spotted her in a fight with two younger eagles last week.

MORE: Vet teams believe Jackie was already sick before eagle fight captured on video near Big Bear nest

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, continues to receive care after she was rescued, but officials say her condition remains critical.