An investigation has been initiated in Spain following the discovery of perplexing injuries on one of the world's most senior orcas, raising questions about whether the famed killer whale was intentionally targeted amidst a backdrop of escalating encounters between orcas and marine vessels.
Toñi, recognized as the oldest known Iberian orca, was recently observed in the Strait of Gibraltar exhibiting multiple fresh marks across her dorsal fin and back. Marine conservationists suspect these wounds were caused by shotgun pellets, noting their absence in photographs taken just weeks prior.
This week, the orca, known as Toñi, was spotted with marks that Spanish officials described as "compatible with possible pellet shots," according to a statement from Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
MITECO confirmed it was alerted to Toñi's injuries on August 11, after receiving information from WeWhale, a marine conservation organization operating in the area with government authorization.
Preliminary investigative proceedings were promptly opened the following day by officials to ascertain the circumstances of the incident and potentially identify the individuals responsible.
While Spanish authorities have refrained from definitively concluding that Toñi was shot, conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians stated that their teams believe the distinct appearance, quantity, and distribution of the wounds strongly indicate a shotgun discharge.
The organizations emphasized the sudden manifestation of these injuries, highlighting that they had photographed and observed Toñi only weeks earlier, at which point no such wounds were present.
WeWhale reported counting approximately ten apparent pellet impacts on the left side of Toñi's dorsal fin. At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed entirely through the fin, while others may still be lodged within the tissue, according to the group.
Given her estimated age of 60 years, Toñi could face heightened risks from these injuries. WeWhale pointed out that the dorsal fin possesses a rich blood supply and plays a crucial role in the animal's body temperature regulation. This means the wounds could potentially lead to tissue damage, swelling, or infection. Should pellets remain embedded, the group warned that, in the worst-case scenario, an infection could become life-threatening.
However, initial signs offer some encouragement. WeWhale noted that Toñi appears to be swimming and hunting as normal, and its team will maintain close observation of her condition.
"We know Toñi. We were with her a few weeks ago and these wounds were not there," stated Janek Andre, founder and president of WeWhale and the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation.
Andre added that the groups are now observing "multiple impact wounds" across the animal's dorsal fin and back, which they believe are consistent with a shotgun blast.
"If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal," Andre asserted. "It is an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population."
Toñi, also affectionately known as "La Abuela," or "the grandmother," is recognized by conservation groups as the oldest living member of the Iberian orca population. This specific population, found in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz, is classified as vulnerable under Spain's Catalog of Endangered Species.
The potential legal consequences for anyone found culpable could be severe. Spanish law strictly prohibits the killing, capturing, pursuing, or disturbing of protected species. Violations of regulations designed to protect orcas can result in penalties of up to 2 million euros, equivalent to approximately $2.3 million, along with potential criminal liability, as confirmed by MITECO.
The General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, a division of MITECO, is currently leading the investigation into this incident.
Orca-Vessel Interactions
This investigation unfolds amid several years of documented interactions between Iberian orcas and marine vessels off the Iberian Peninsula.
Since 2020, orcas in the region have repeatedly engaged with boats in Atlantic waters. This pattern has prompted Spanish authorities to issue specific guidance aimed at safeguarding both mariners, their vessels, and the animals themselves. Officials advise sailors against employing deterrent measures that could result in the death, injury, or disturbance of these cetaceans.
WeWhale has made it clear that the apparent shooting should not be regarded as an acceptable response to these encounters.
"There has been enormous public discussion about Iberian orcas and their interactions with vessels," Andre commented. "Whatever someone's opinion about those interactions may be, shooting at these animals can never be an acceptable response."
The conservation groups have confirmed they are preserving their original photographs and observational records and will continue to meticulously monitor Toñi's physical condition and behavior as the government investigation proceeds.
As of now, authorities have not announced any suspects or identified any individuals who may be responsible for inflicting the injuries.
