Far from the familiar pines, open water and the mountain air of Big Bear, Jackie underwent a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy on August 5. By the end of the day, she was back in recovery, receiving supplemental oxygen while her medical team searched for the reason her body has struggled to recover.
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Both procedures required anesthesia, and Jackie came through them well. Ojai Raptor Center’s veterinary team, scientific advisory council and consulting specialists are now reviewing the new findings alongside her previous test results.
No diagnosis has been announced. Additional laboratory work remains pending, leaving Jackie’s care team with new evidence to study but no final answer yet.
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What Jackie’s CT Scan and Bone Marrow Biopsy Could Reveal
Jackie’s illness has already demanded extensive testing, treatment and consultation. Still, important questions remain. The contrast CT scan allowed the veterinary team to gather more detailed images and examine areas that may not have appeared clearly during previous evaluations. The bone marrow biopsy gave specialists another way to investigate the problems affecting Jackie’s blood and overall condition.
Jackie’s CT scan and bone marrow biopsy marked the deepest stage yet in the search for the cause of her illness. They do not automatically reveal a simple cause or guarantee an immediate treatment plan. Instead, the findings must be studied alongside Jackie’s earlier scans, blood work, treatment response and other diagnostic results.
Jackie Recovers After Another Difficult Day
Jackie’s care has required repeated handling, examinations and medical procedures, a world far removed from the freedom that has defined her life in Big Bear. On Wednesday, trained caregivers held her securely in towels while preparing and supporting her through the latest testing.
Jackie is usually seen commanding the nest, soaring above the lake or standing beside Shadow with the wind moving through her feathers. In the recovery footage, her eyes remained bright and alert. She emerged from anesthesia and was returned to her enclosure for one more day of care and another opportunity for her medical team to understand what her body needs.
Ojai Raptor Center has not reported a sudden decline or announced a final diagnosis. The confirmed update remains narrow but meaningful: Jackie tolerated the procedures, recovered well from anesthesia and remains under close veterinary care.
No Final Diagnosis Has Been Announced
August 5 did not bring the answer everyone hoped to hear.
It brought new evidence.
Jackie’s specialists must now study the CT images, examine the biopsy findings and compare them with the results already collected during her treatment. Pending laboratory work may add more pieces to the medical puzzle. Until that process is complete, the cause of Jackie’s condition remains unconfirmed.
There is also no announced release date or timetable for her return to Big Bear. Any decision about Jackie’s future will depend on her diagnosis, response to treatment, physical condition and ability to function safely as a wild bald eagle. For now, the medical team is allowing science to guide each next step.
A Network of Specialists Continues Fighting for Jackie
Jackie’s treatment has brought together wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, scientists and outside specialists. Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen, Dr. Kathryn Rasp and the center’s entire team continue overseeing her daily care. The organization is also consulting with its scientific advisory council and other specialists as they review the newest findings.
Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura has supported the effort as well, including Dr. Higgins and the hospital’s staff. Earlier in Jackie’s treatment, CALM Zoo and its resident bald eagle Spirit played an extraordinary role. Spirit provided blood for the transfusion Jackie needed as the team worked to stabilize her.
Each organization has contributed a different piece of the response. Together, they have created a medical safety net beneath an eagle accustomed to holding the sky on her own.
The Distance Between Jackie’s Two Worlds
Only weeks ago, Jackie’s life centered on Big Bear. She and Shadow had raised Sandy and Luna through another demanding nesting season. Jackie guarded the nest, delivered food, faced intruders and remained part of the daily rhythm of the territory she has ruled for years.
Now, that world waits beyond the walls of a recovery enclosure.
Her days revolve around oxygen support, examinations, laboratory results and the quiet routines of wildlife medicine. Trained hands now guide her through procedures far removed from the storms, territorial confrontations and long days of raising young eagles in Big Bear.
She cannot choose the next test or understand why human hands must hold her. She can only meet each moment with the instincts and endurance that have carried her through life in Big Bear.
Her caregivers must carry the rest.
Jackie’s Next Update Will Depend on the Results
Ojai Raptor Center plans to release a more comprehensive update after its team has reviewed the new findings and received the remaining laboratory results. Until then, speculation cannot replace a diagnosis.
The contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy may help specialists identify patterns that earlier testing could not fully explain. They may also help the team narrow the possibilities and determine which treatment options remain appropriate.
By Wednesday night, Jackie was awake after another demanding medical day.
Her specialists have new images to study, tissue to examine and previous results to reconsider. The answers may not arrive all at once, but the search has moved forward.
Far from her nest, her territory and Shadow, Jackie remains surrounded by people working carefully on her behalf.
The Lady of the Lake is still here. ♥️
And her medical team is still searching for the path that gives her the best possible chance to rise again.
The video was recorded and shared on YouTube by Lady Hawk. Those wishing to support the care and rehabilitation of Jackie and other bald eagle patients can donate through the Ojai Raptor Center Bald Eagle Rehabilitation Campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What procedures did Jackie undergo on August 5?
Jackie received a contrast CT scan and underwent a bone marrow biopsy at Ojai Raptor Center.
How did Jackie respond to anesthesia?
Ojai Raptor Center reported that Jackie recovered well from anesthesia. She returned to her recovery enclosure and received supplemental oxygen.
Have the tests revealed what is wrong with Jackie?
No final diagnosis has been announced. The veterinary team, scientific advisory council and consulting specialists are reviewing the new findings alongside Jackie’s previous results. Additional laboratory work remains pending.
Is Jackie returning to Big Bear soon?
No release date has been announced. Her future will depend on the diagnostic results, treatment options, recovery and ability to function safely in the wild.
Who is involved in Jackie’s care?
Ojai Raptor Center leads Jackie’s care with support from veterinary specialists, its scientific advisory council, Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group in Ventura and CALM Zoo. Resident bald eagle Spirit previously provided blood for Jackie’s transfusion.
