Spanish authorities have launched an investigation following the discovery of fresh, severe wounds on Toñi, an estimated 60-year-old orca and the oldest known member of the critically endangered Iberian population. The injuries, which appeared on her dorsal fin and back, are consistent with shotgun pellets. Conservation groups, including WeWhale, reported that these marks were not visible on the whale when they documented her condition just weeks earlier.
Toñi is a significant figure among marine researchers and is often referred to as La Abuela, or the grandmother, of her pod. While her current behavior appears normal, experts warn that the deep tissue damage and potential for lingering lead in the fin pose serious health risks. The fin is critical for the animal's temperature regulation, and any infection could lead to long-term health complications for an already vulnerable individual.
This incident arrives at a time of heightened friction between boaters and orcas in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz. Since 2020, reports of interactions between these marine mammals and vessels have surged, leading to public debate and government efforts to protect both the species and mariners. Officials have reiterated their guidance for boaters to avoid any actions that could harm, capture, or disturb these animals.
Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge initiated formal proceedings on August 12 to identify those responsible. Under current Spanish law, those found guilty of harming protected species can face significant financial penalties, with fines reaching up to 2 million euros, in addition to potential criminal charges. Conservationists are maintaining all photographic records and monitoring the whale's health as the investigation continues.