Jackie, one half of the famous bald eagle pair whose San Bernardino Mountains nest has attracted viewers around the world, "remains critically ill," according to the nonprofit treating her.

Despite nearly three weeks of treatment, Jackie is still unstable, the Ojai Raptor Center said in an Aug. 9 afternoon update.

"The past 24 hours have been incredibly difficult," the nonprofit said.

Jackie's packed cell volume fell below 6% on Saturday and rose to 9% the next day. Jackie's packed cell volume should ideally be above 30%, according to the center.

"While this is a small improvement, her PCV remains critically low and her overall condition remains extremely serious," the center said.

The nonprofit went on to say each decision it makes is "guided by her medical condition and what is in her best interest," adding it will provide another update when it has "meaningful information to provide."

Jackie arrived at the Raptor Center on July 17, 2026, after the already ill mama eagle was involved in a ground altercation with two juvenile eagles near Jackie and Shadow's nest in Fawnskin in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Since then, the eagle's health has been a roller coaster ride of improvements and setbacks, including the rise and decline of packed cell volume.

The eagle has also endured a battery of tests and treatments, including contrast CT scan, bone marrow biopsy, oxygen therapy, and other supportive treatments.

In a Friday, Aug. 7 update, the Raptor Center said the eagle's health had taken another turn for the worse. 

Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen said the eagle's blood values had declined again, with her packed cell volume falling below 10%, and her condition remaining critical.

On Friday, the eagle remained in intensive care, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring, Eksteen added. 

"This week's contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending," Eksteen said.

Some of that specialized testing includes further heavy metal analysis, he said.

The center's onsite veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists from across the country, including those at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California, to evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in the eagle's care.

Soon after the Raptor Center's announcement, Friends of Big Bear Valley — the local non-profit organization that manages the famous live webcams monitoring the area's bald eagles — took to Facebook to urge the public to allow others to process the information from the Ojai Raptor Center's most recent update and comment on what they are feeling without judgment. 

"Please be kind to each other in these emotional times," FOBBV wrote.

FOBBV live streams activity 24/7 from Jackie and Shadow's nest via Nest Cams, which sit atop a nearly 145-foot Jeffrey pine tree. Over the years, the couple's roller-coaster story has garnered international interest.

Jackie and Shadow have been a mating pair since 2018, when Shadow replaced Jackie's previous mate, according to the nonprofit.

Jackie was believed to be the first recorded bald eagle chick hatched in Big Bear in 2012. She was initially known as Jack until it became apparent she was female, and her name was switched to Jackie.

The first documentation of Jackie and Shadow's clutches of eggs came in 2020 and 2021, when they were either eaten by ravens or didn't hatch.

Jackie and Shadow's first successful-born chick, Spirit, hatched in March 2022. 

The couple then had unsuccessful laying seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Sunny and Gizmo were two (of three) hatchlings born to Jackie and Shadow in March 2025. The third eaglet, named Misty in honor of a former nonprofit volunteer, died after a snowstorm hit the area.

Sandy and Luna, Jackie and Shadow's most recent clutch that hatched in early April, have officially left their Big Bear Valley nest.

"Sandy and Luna were last seen on cam on (July 23)," the nonprofit said in an Aug. 5 Facebook post. "It appears they have left the valley on their grand journey."

With the two away, FOBBV said, "Shadow is on his summer vacation."

"This season certainly has had its ups and downs, sad times and good times," the nonprofit wrote. "Even then, Jackie, Shadow, Sandy and Luna brought us immense amounts of Joy."

The live feed for Jackie and Shadow operates 24 hours and is available at Friends of Big Bear Valley's YouTube page.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Big Bear eagle Jackie remains critically ill. 'Incredibly difficult'