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

A fellow female eagle named Spirit came to Jackie's aid in her critical time of need.

Jackie continues to receive specialized treatment after she was found on the ground near Big Bear Lake following a fight with other eagles.

In addition to the network of veterinary teams working on Jackie's case, the eagle received help from an unexpected source: a fellow eagle.

Spirit is a resident at CALM Zoo in Bakersfield and has called the facility home since May 2003, when she was transferred from another wildlife rehabilitation facility after being rescued by Animal Control.

At that time, CALM Zoo says Spirit "was found unable to fly due to wing fractures, was severely emaciated, had been scavenging for food, and had suffered trauma to her right eye. After a lengthy healing process, Spirit was determined to be non-releasable because of the long-term effects of her injuries."

Since then, Spirit has been a staple resident at the zoo, helping educate visitors about California's native wildlife.

The senior director of CALM Zoo said Spirit was carefully evaluated before donating blood to 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 zoo described the procedure as "a minimally invasive blood draw" from Spirit.

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

"After her quick procedure, Spirit was rewarded with some extra trout for doing her part to help another eagle in need," the zoo said on social media.

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

In a sweet coincidence, one of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets that hatched in 2022 was named Spirit by local 3rd graders.

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.