Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle mother, remains in critical condition, according to the latest update from the Ojai Birds of Prey Center. She remains in intensive care, receiving oxygen, supportive care, and 24-hour monitoring by staff.
«"Her blood counts have dropped again, with hematocrit below 10 percent, and her condition remains critical," the center said.
A contrast-enhanced CT scan and bone marrow biopsy performed earlier this week also provided the team with important new information, while results from additional specialist tests are still awaited.
«"Every decision we make is driven primarily by her health, her well-being, and what is truly in her best interests," they write.
A team from the Ojai Raptor Rehabilitation Center is caring for Jackie. Image: Ojai Raptor Rehabilitation Center.
Jackie was brought to the center about three weeks ago after being found injured on the ground near Dana Point Park on July 17. Cellphone video captured by a witness confirmed that she had been in a confrontation with two other young eagles. She successfully fought off the other eagles by flipping and using her talons, but was unable to fly far. She has since been diagnosed with anemia and has been under the care of the Ojai Raptor Center.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to share updates as they become available from the official channels of the Ojai Raptor Center and Friends of the Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
Jackie and Shadow's Children Due in 2026: Everything You Need to Know.
For Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents living in the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California, this nesting season has once again been full of surprises. After crows destroyed two of their eggs in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs, which successfully hatched.
The first chick hatched on April 4 at 9:33 PM PT, and the second on April 5 at 8:30 AM. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles is livestreamed 24 hours a day by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has attracted millions of viewers.
On May 1st, FOBBV announced the names of the chicks: Sandy and Luna.
How long will the chicks stay in the nest?
Chicks typically remain in the nest for 10 to 14 weeks. Sandy and Luna were last seen near the nest on July 23, and they likely left the area for what FOBBV calls their "great journey.".
What difficulties do eaglets face?
Before leaving the nest, chicks face threats from other birds of prey, including hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls. Inclement weather can also pose challenges for the chicks. In 2025, a March snowstorm resulted in the death of one of Jackie and Shadow's three chicks.
Only 70 percent of chicks survive the nesting season. One of the biggest threats comes from cars, which can injure or kill birds while they forage for food among roadkill.
Who are Jackie and Shadow?
This pair first mated in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024. Only 50 percent of eagle eggs hatch successfully, so this pair has already overcome all the obstacles.
What happened to the eaglets Jackie and Shadow, who were supposed to be born in 2025?
In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs, all of which hatched in early March. On March 13, a severe snowstorm dumped up to 60 centimeters of snow and lashed the nest with strong winds. Only two chicks were visible on the webcam when the storm passed the following morning. FOBBV later confirmed the death of one of the chicks. The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after 54,000 fan-submitted names.
What happens after the chicks fledge?
Young eagles typically leave the nest and begin to fly when they can spread their wings and develop flight-ready feathers. This typically occurs between 10 and 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to make their first flight slightly earlier than females.
According to FOBBV, Southern California chicks have been seen as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.
Approximately 70 percent of bald eagles survive as chicks. FOBBV does not tag its eagles, so it is impossible to track the movements of the chicks after they leave the nest.
How can I help Jackie and Shadow?
FOBBV is accepting donations to support its conservation efforts in the area. The organization recently reached its $10 million goal to purchase land around Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. A $5.5 million donation from Anna and Greg Brockman helped them meet the funding deadline. Greg Brockman is the co-founder and president of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT. Before the Brockmans' donation, over 25,000 donations had raised nearly half of the required amount.
You can help the rescue organization caring for Jackie by donating to the Ojai Raptor Center's bald eagle recovery campaign.
Note: In April 2025, Ziff Davis, the parent company of Popular Science, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that it infringed Ziff Davis's copyright in the training and operation of its artificial intelligence systems.