Veterinarians working to rehabilitate Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, shared a discouraging update Monday that casts doubt on when, or if, she will ever be released back into the wild.

“Today’s bloodwork brought some difficult news,” the Ojai Raptor Center posted on social media, alongside video of veterinarians drawing blood from Jackie, known as Patient 26-519. “Her packed cell volume (PCV) has dropped to 13%, which means her anemia has worsened since our last update.”

Veterinarians at the Ojai Raptor Center draw blood from Jackie the bald eagle on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. (Ojai Raptor Center)

Jackie and her nesting partner, Shadow, have captivated millions around the world through a live webcam pointed at their nest above Big Bear Lake, documenting the pair laying eggs, hatching eaglets and raising their young over the past seven years.

In mid-July, Jackie was attacked by two subadult bald eagles near Dana Point Park on the lake’s north shore.

Rescuers found her unable to fly and transported her to the Ojai Raptor Center, where vets found she had no physical injuries from the attack but was suffering from severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys.

Jackie is estimated to be about 14 years old, and experts believe she may already have been weakened at the time of the attack. Bald eagles typically live 15 to 28 years in the wild.

Last Wednesday, she was moved from the center’s intensive care unit to a regular hospital unit in what veterinarians described as an “encouraging milestone” in her recovery.

Then came Monday’s setback.

“Additional advanced diagnostic testing is now underway, and expedited laboratory testing has been requested as we continue working to better understand her condition and guide the next steps in her treatment,” the center said.

Jackie the bald eagle is seen at the Ojai Raptor Center in late July 2026. (Ojai Raptor Center)

While the ultimate hope for those following Jackie’s journey is to see her released back into the wild and reunited with Shadow, veterinarians have been careful not to overstate her chances.

Even updates with positive developments, like her move out of intensive care, have included reminders that she remains a “very sick patient.”

“We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we are grateful for your continued encouragement and support,” the center said. “Thank you for standing with us as we continue doing everything possible for Patient 26-519.”

The center is also soliciting donations through its website to help care for Jackie and other wild birds.