Spanish authorities have launched an investigation after a critically endangered Iberian killer whale, known as Toñi, was discovered off the coast of Cadiz with wounds believed to be from a shotgun.
Conservation groups WeWhale Association and Iberian Orca Guardians identified the holes in the orca's dorsal fin as consistent with shotgun pellet impacts. Photographs taken of Toñi, also called La Abuela or 'the grandmother,' a few weeks prior showed no such injuries, indicating the shooting is recent. Scientists from these organizations examined the wounds and determined their number, size, and distribution suggest they were caused by a shotgun.
Toñi is the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population, which is classified as critically endangered with only a small number of individuals remaining. Spanish Environment Minister Sara Aagesen stated on Bluesky that any harm to this vulnerable species is a serious crime.
The incident occurs amidst a spate of aggressive encounters between pods of orcas and yachts in recent years, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar and off the coast of Portugal. These interactions have sometimes resulted in vessels being seriously damaged or sunk.
In July, a yacht was sunk off Spain's northwest coast after being rammed by orcas, with its two occupants rescued. The incident occurred near Estaca de Bares and was one of four similar interactions reported in the area that day. In another instance in June, a pod of orcas was filmed surrounding and attacking a yacht off Gibraltar, destroying its rudder and causing the vessel to lose control. In October of the previous year, the Portuguese Air Force rescued a family of five after their yacht was sunk by orcas southeast of Peniche. Another yacht was sunk near Lisbon in September last year after being repeatedly struck by orcas, though its crew was safely rescued.