Live updates: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie remains in critical condition after blood transfusion

Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie received a life-saving blood transfusion from another eagle but remains in critical condition despite showing encouraging signs of improvement, according to the latest update from her caregivers at the Ojai Raptor Center.

The successful transfusion was made possible with the help of Spirit, the resident Bald Eagle at California Living Museum in Bakersfield.

Testing also ruled out lead toxicosis and the presence of foreign objects like fishing hooks, lines and weights.

Beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie received a life-saving transfusion from another eagle but remains in critical condition despite showing improvement.

Her kidney inflammation appears to have improved, the Center said. She also is eating well, perching and remains bright and strong.

Jackie remains severely anemic, the organization Friends of Big Bear Valley said, the nonprofit that operates the eagle nest camera.

"She was taken in for a CT scan; there are no obvious signs of cancer or any metals in her body," said the organization.

The veterinary team of specialists continues working to determine the the underlying cause of the bird's illness as Jackie continues to receive intensive care.

The rehabilitation team cautioned that it is still too early to predict the outcome of her treatment and recovery.

"While we are encouraged by the dedication and collaboration surrounding this case, it is still too early to predict the outcome," the update posted on Facebook said. "We know many of you are hoping for more answers, and so are we. Wildlife medicine often requires patience, and some answers simply take time."

Another update is expected to be shared Monday.

As Jackie continues to receive critical care, we're learning more about what the future may look like for the Big Bear's beloved bald eagle and her mate, Shadow.

As Jackie continues to receive care, we're learning more about what the future may look like for Big Bear's beloved bald eagle and her mate, Shadow.

In an update on Wednesday evening, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that operates the eagle nest camera, wrote that Shadow is continuing to care for, feed and protect Sandy and Luna in Jackie's absence. They noted that he's been protecting the nest from other subadult eagles, who are categorized as under 5 years old, in the area.

FOBBV wrote that Luna even appeared to chase an intruder away a couple days ago.

Meanwhile, Sandy and Luna are exploring further out in the habitat and staying away from the cameras for longer periods of time despite still visiting the nest daily.

FOBBV released a photo which they say shows Shadow sitting on a tree perch with a subadult nearby on Wednesday, and volunteers believe it could possibly be the same female eagle that had a short skirmish with Jackie.

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, continues to receive care after she was rescued, but officials say her condition remains critical.

Will Shadow move on?

Many fans of the bald eagle couple have been concerned that Shadow might leave the nest while Jackie is away. FOBBV said they spoke to an expert who said that due to Jackie and Shadow's incredible bond, it is unlikely he will move on for now. The expert noted that Shadow likely won't be looking for a mate until his hormones kick in, which could be around the end of December or early January.

Meanwhile, Dr. Todd Katzner, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, explains what happens when eagles lose their partner.

"When that happens, they typically replace that partner. How quickly it happens tends to depend on the population density. As soon as a space opens up, somebody's going to come in and grab that space because they don't have many opportunities to get those spaces," Katzner said.

But is it possible that Jackie can make a comeback, reclaim her nest, her territory and her mate?

Katzner said yes, but she could also return and find a new nest and another mate to start a new life.

MORE: Will Jackie's mate Shadow move on as she recovers? Here's what experts say about the Big Bear couple

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, remains in critical condition but is receiving care after she was discovered on the ground near Big Bear Lake.

The Ojai Raptor Center, where she's being treated, described Jackie's case as "very serious." Vet teams believe Jackie was already sick before witnesses spotted her in a fight with two younger eagles last week.

MORE: Vet teams believe Jackie was already sick before eagle fight captured on video near Big Bear nest

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, continues to receive care after she was rescued, but officials say her condition remains critical.

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, is recovering after she was rescued over the weekend.

According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that tracks Jackie and Shadow, the group that rescued her reported that Jackie is "underweight but alert," and "eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own." They say she is still standing up and perching.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, FOBBV provided further details about Jackie's recovery. The Ojai Raptor Center, where Jackie is rehabilitating, is waiting on test results for any signs of lead, zinc or rodenticide levels. X-rays were performed, and no fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects were observed.

She is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys, but Jackie still seems to be showing some spunk.

"We loved hearing that Jackie has more energy this morning. She is mad and fighting the staff... That's our Jackie, a strong and mighty eagle!" the nonprofit said.

"Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case. While the eagle remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome," the Ojai Raptor Center wrote in an update on social media.

MORE: Bald eagle Jackie 'underweight but alert' after rescue near Big Bear nest

Jackie, the beloved Big Bear bald eagle, is recovering on Tuesday after she was injured and rescued over the weekend.