Spanish authorities and conservation groups are investigating visible wounds on Toñi, the matriarch of a small Iberian orca pod, after observers documented multiple marks along her dorsal fin and back that officials say are consistent with pellet shots. Spain's environment ministry reported the markings and said they matched injuries from pellets fired by a shotgun. A ministry source told El País that some projectiles appeared to remain lodged in the fin, raising concerns about infection and further injury.
The discovery prompted an official probe led by the ministry's Directorate General for Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification. Deputy Prime Minister Sara Aagesen announced the investigation on social media and described the orca as a vulnerable species, saying any harm would be a serious crime. The WeWhale Association and Iberian Orca Guardians, which monitor the animals, documented the wounds and said the injuries were new. Janek Andre, head of the groups, said seeing Toñi, known as La Abuela, like this was devastating and warned that deliberate shooting would be extreme cruelty against a critically endangered population.
Context Reactions And Risks
The Iberian orca population draws intense public attention after repeated encounters with vessels in recent years. Conservationists and scientists have linked a small group of individuals to episodes of jostling and striking rudders, and to damage across many boats. Researchers have not reached a consensus on why the behaviour started, and some scientists suggest it may reflect play or practice of hunting skills rather than deliberate attacks on vessels.
Authorities and conservation groups warned that retaliation against the animals is illegal. Aagesen pointed out that Spanish law bans intentionally killing, capturing, pursuing or disturbing protected species and that violations can lead to heavy fines and possible criminal liability. Government guidance for mariners advises avoiding high risk areas, steering toward the coast when encounters occur, keeping people away from exposed parts of vessels and notifying maritime rescue centres. Monitoring teams are tracking Toñi for signs of weakness while investigations seek to establish where and how the injuries occurred.
