Toñi, the oldest known Iberian orca, was found with wounds believed to be caused by shotgun pellets, prompting an investigation in Spain amid concerns for her well-being.
Toñi, recognized as the oldest known Iberian orca, was recently spotted in the Strait of Gibraltar with injuries that conservationists suspect were inflicted by shotgun pellets. The discovery of these mysterious wounds has sparked an investigation by Spanish authorities, raising serious concerns about the safety of this iconic marine mammal amid ongoing tensions between orcas and boats in the region.
Officials from Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) reported that Toñi surfaced with multiple fresh marks on her dorsal fin and back. These injuries were not visible in photographs taken just weeks prior, indicating a sudden and alarming change in her condition. The ministry stated that the marks observed on Toñi are consistent with potential shotgun wounds.
The investigation into Toñi’s injuries began after MITECO received information from the marine conservation group WeWhale, which operates in the area under government authorization. Following the report, officials initiated preliminary investigative proceedings to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the orca’s injuries and to identify any individuals responsible.
While authorities have not definitively concluded that Toñi was shot, conservation organizations WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians have expressed their belief that the nature and distribution of the wounds strongly suggest a shotgun discharge. The groups noted that the injuries appeared suddenly, as they had previously documented Toñi without any visible wounds just weeks earlier.
WeWhale’s team reported observing approximately ten apparent pellet impacts on the left side of Toñi’s dorsal fin. Some projectiles seem to have penetrated the fin, while others may still be lodged within it. At an estimated age of 60 years, Toñi faces heightened risks due to these injuries. The fin, which has a rich blood supply, plays a crucial role in regulating the orca’s body temperature, and the presence of wounds could lead to complications such as tissue damage, swelling, or infection. If any pellets remain embedded, they could pose a life-threatening risk through potential infection.
Despite these concerns, there are some positive signs regarding Toñi’s condition. WeWhale reported that she appears to be swimming and hunting normally, and the organization plans to continue monitoring her closely. Janek Andre, founder and president of WeWhale and the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We know Toñi. We were with her a few weeks ago and these wounds were not there.” He expressed alarm over the “multiple impact wounds” now visible on her body, which they believe are consistent with a shotgun blast.
Andre further condemned the act, stating, “If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal. It is an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population.” Toñi, affectionately known as “La Abuela” or “the grandmother,” is a vital member of the Iberian orca population, which is classified as vulnerable under Spain’s Catalog of Endangered Species.
The potential consequences for anyone found responsible for Toñi’s injuries could be severe. Spanish law prohibits the killing, capturing, pursuing, or disturbing of protected species, with violations carrying penalties of up to 2 million euros (approximately $2.3 million) and possible criminal charges, according to MITECO. The ministry’s General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification is leading the investigation into this troubling incident.
This investigation unfolds against a backdrop of documented interactions between Iberian orcas and boats off the Iberian Peninsula. Since 2020, there have been numerous encounters between orcas and vessels in Atlantic waters, prompting Spanish authorities to issue guidance aimed at protecting both boaters and the animals. Officials have advised sailors against employing deterrent measures that could harm or disturb the cetaceans.
WeWhale has emphasized that the apparent shooting should not be viewed as an acceptable response to these encounters. Andre remarked, “There has been enormous public discussion about Iberian orcas and their interactions with vessels. Whatever someone’s opinion about those interactions may be, shooting at these animals can never be an acceptable response.” The conservation groups are preserving their original photographs and observational records while continuing to monitor Toñi’s health and behavior as the government investigation progresses.
As of now, authorities have not identified any suspects or individuals responsible for Toñi’s injuries, leaving the investigation open as they seek to uncover the truth behind this distressing incident.
According to Fox News, the situation remains critical as conservationists rally to protect one of the last remaining members of a vulnerable population.