Iberian orca Toñi suspected shot in Strait of Gibraltar

Iberian orca Strait of Gibraltar endangered species wildlife crime Toñi

Spanish authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected shooting of Toñi, the oldest known member of the critically endangered Iberian orca subpopulation. The animal, often referred to as ‘La Abuela’ (the grandmother), was observed in the Strait of Gibraltar with approximately ten new wounds on its dorsal fin and back.

Conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians documented the injuries, noting they were not present in photographs taken only weeks ago. Technical analysis by the Atlantic Orca Working Group suggests the wounds are consistent with 9mm lead pellets, typically used in shotgun cartridges for hunting wild boar. Researchers warn that embedded projectiles pose a significant risk of infection or life-threatening sepsis.

Deputy Prime Minister Sara Aagesen confirmed the investigation, emphasizing that the Iberian orca is a vulnerable species and any harm to them constitutes a serious crime. Under Spanish law, violating protections for marine species can result in criminal liability and fines of up to 2 million euros. The Iberian orca population is estimated to include fewer than 40 individuals.

Entities

Iberian Orca Guardians · Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge · Sara Aagesen · Spain · Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge · Strait of Gibraltar · Toni · WeWhale · WeWhale Association

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 18 SOURCES] The Iberian orca subpopulation is estimated to consist of fewer than 40 individuals. wdez.com · canal44.com · wxerfm.com · agerpres.ro · www.iefimerida.gr · +13 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Spain has opened a preliminary investigation to identify the perpetrators and potentially initiate sanctioning proceedings. www.diariodecadiz.es · www.diariodejerez.es · www.lavozdigital.es · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · razydzisiaj.pl · +13 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Spanish authorities are coordinating with Portuguese officials because the wounds may have occurred in Portuguese waters. www.rmf24.pl · rr.pt · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
[● 19 SOURCES] The injuries to the orca Toñi are recent, as they were not visible in photographs taken several weeks ago. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · zielona.interia.pl · www.diariodejerez.es · www.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · +14 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The pattern of wounds is consistent with 9mm lead pellets typically used in buckshot cartridges for hunting wild boar. www.euronews.com · it.euronews.com · pt.euronews.com · extra.globo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Violating laws protecting marine species can result in fines of up to 2 million euros and criminal liability. www.diariodecadiz.es · www.lavozdigital.es
[● 24 SOURCES] The wounds on the orca's dorsal fin are consistent with shotgun pellet impacts. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · wdez.com · canal44.com · wxerfm.com · zielona.interia.pl · +19 more
[● 24 SOURCES] Conservation groups documented approximately ten new wounds on the dorsal fin and back of the orca named Toñi. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · wdez.com · canal44.com · wxerfm.com · zielona.interia.pl · +19 more