Toñi, the oldest known member of the critically endangered Iberian orca population, was spotted in the Strait of Gibraltar with multiple fresh wounds on her dorsal fin and back. Marine conservationists state these injuries are consistent with shotgun pellet impacts.
Conservation group WeWhale photographed the orca just weeks ago, noting the injuries were not present at that time. Estimates suggest roughly 10 distinct marks exist on the animal's dorsal fin. At approximately 60 years old, Toñi remains a vital member of a population that experts have warned is near total collapse.
Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities are currently reviewing the photographic evidence to determine the cause of these wounds and identify any individuals responsible.
While the situation remains serious, monitoring teams report that Toñi is still hunting and moving through the water without immediate signs of health decline. The fin has a high concentration of blood vessels, however, meaning that untreated infections from lodged projectiles could present significant long-term risks.
Legal protections for these marine mammals in Spain are stringent. Anyone found guilty of harming or disturbing protected species faces heavy fines reaching up to 2 million euros alongside potential criminal charges. Officials are calling on witnesses or those with information to come forward as they piece together the circumstances of this attack.