The rescued eagle Jackie is in critical condition as he fights anemia, inflammation

After being rescued over the weekend from the shores of Big Bear Lake, the eagle believed to be the star of the nest cam Jackie is suffering from anemia and swollen kidneys, but it seems she has regained some of her chutzpah, according to the nonprofit that runs the radio station.

Friends of the Big Bear Valley reported that the Ojai Raptor Center – where Jackie received care – was not sure what was causing the symptoms as of Tuesday afternoon, and was awaiting test results that may reveal lead, zinc or rodenticide.

“The center is working with several veterinarians to get the best care possible at the moment,” the nonprofit wrote in a Facebook post, which garnered more than 120,000 likes in a few hours.

The nonprofit added that they welcomed news that Jackie had more energy: She was eating, with help and on her own, and standing up to poop.

“He’s crazy and fighting with the staff … That’s our Jackie, a strong and powerful eagle!” non-profit organization wrote.

The Ojai Raptor Center in an Instagram post later Tuesday struck a tone of caution.

“His condition remains critical, and this remains a very serious case,” it read. “Although the patient remains alert and eating, it is too early to predict the outcome.”

The veterinary team at the center has begun to support with available information, according to the post.

In an Instagram post the other day, Eliza Cameron of the Ojai Raptor Center said the eagle “arrived exhausted and underweight, but showed no signs of physical trauma.”

Cameron, who is the hospital and rehabilitation manager at the facility, said they are waiting for blood work and toxicology results.

That “will take some time,” the post read. “Until we understand the full picture, we cannot confidently predict the timeline or outcome. What we can promise is total care, and attention to every step.”

Although the agency cannot be 100% sure of the identity of the eagle, “it is suspected that the eagle came from nests that live in the area,” said Cameron.

Friends of Big Bear Valley are very sure that it is Jackie, based on the photos, videos and the fact that the beloved pastor was absent for several days from its live broadcast cameras.

Broadcasting 24/7, Jackie and her longtime partner Shadow are watched by thousands of devoted fans around the world.

Jackie’s ongoing health crisis has sent shockwaves through fans, with thousands expressing concern and support on social media.

“It’s amazing how we can all learn about creatures we’ll never meet, and I think that speaks volumes for all of us,” wrote one Facebook commenter.

Another laughed, “Thanks for the update! Can’t you just hear her saying, ‘Let me go! Don’t you know I have two kids to take care of?’

Before this crisis, Jackie and Shadow were busy raising two eagles, Luna and Sandy. Both young fledge, or took their first flight from the nest, but still hang around in their natal area, enjoying the parents’ food delivery and protection from predators.

With Jackie gone, Shadow “has to do double duty,” said Jenny Voisard, media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Jackie arrived at the Ojai center on Saturday, after a morning rescue led by San Dimas Raptor Rescue.

When he was first examined, he was weak and tired, with ruffled feathers and muddy feet, according to Kristine Koh, volunteer rehabilitation manager for San Dimas Raptor Rescue, part of the LA County Parks and Recreation Department.

It is not clear what led to the eagle’s injury, although there is a possibility.

Photos taken shortly before the rescue showed Jackie completely bald — on the ground and in the air, according to Voisard.

Another possibility is lead poisoning, according to San Dimas.

Big Bear Lake is a fishing area, and fishing equipment such as sinkers are often made of lead. Balds – lovers of fish themselves – can eat hooks and poles when eating their prey, potentially poisoning it, Koh said. (Friends of Big Bear Valley, in its latest post, noted that Jackie’s X-rays found no fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects.)

“Unfortunately, raptors get lead poisoning all the time, and that’s one of the problems we deal with,” he said, noting that their latest patient had not yet been diagnosed with this.