Live updates: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie shows improvement after weekend setback

The Ojai Raptor Center said tests have ruled out lead poisoning and the presence of foreign objects as possible causes of Jackie's condition.

"Her kidney inflammation also appears to have improved, the eagle continues to perch and eat, and there is slight improvement in her energy," said Eliza Cameron of the Ojai Raptor Center.

For now, wildlife officials say Jackie continues to receive treatment as veterinarians work to identify the cause of her illness and monitor her recovery.

The senior director of CALM Zoo in Bakersfield says the zoo's resident eagle, Spirit, was carefully evaluated before donating blood to help Big Bear's Jackie.

Meg Maitland described the process used to determine whether Spirit was a suitable donor.

"Essentially, you look at our records we go through and make sure weight wise and health wise that Spirit would be good to go to be able to draw blood from and that was determined that she was good to go, and it was going to have a minimal impact on her and so between our veterinarian teams they decided the amount," Maitland said.

The senior director of CALM Zoo in Bakersfield says the zoo's resident eagle was carefully evaluated before donating blood to help Big Bear's Jackie.

Volunteers from Ojai then traveled to Bakersfield to retrieve the blood and transport it back for Jackie.

Maitland said she has been encouraged by the outpouring of support Jackie has received from people across the country.

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 and 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.