A rare orca known as “La Abuela” was found with wounds consistent with shotgun pellets; the suspected attack could threaten an entire Iberian population of fewer than 40 whales

Spain’s Environment Ministry has ordered an investigation into the likely shooting of a rare Iberian orca that was filmed swimming with wounds to its dorsal fin, Deputy Prime Minister ‌Sara Aagesen said on Friday. “The oldest orca in the Strait of Gibraltar has appeared with marks compatible with pellets” fired from a shotgun this week, she wrote in a post on Bluesky, announcing the investigation. “It is a vulnerable species and any harm to them ⁠is a serious crime.” The ministry said it learned of Toñi’s injuries on August 11, after receiving information from marine conservation group WeWhale, which operates in the area with government authorisation. Officials opened preliminary investigative proceedings the next day to determine what happened and potentially identify those responsible.The WeWhale Association and Iberian Orca Guardians said earlier they had documented multiple new wounds across the dorsal fin of Toñi, the oldest known Iberian orca, during their field operations. “Seeing Toñi, “La Abuela” (the grandmother) like this is devastating,” said Janek Andre, head of the two conservation groups. “If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal. ‌It ⁠is an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population.”The injuries were not visible in photographs taken just weeks earlier. WeWhale said its team counted roughly 10 apparent pellet impacts on the left side of her dorsal fin. At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed straight through the fin, while others may still be lodged inside, according to the group.Referring to a series of boat rammings by orca pods off the coasts of Spain and Portugal in recent years, Andre said: “Whatever someone’s opinion about those interactions may be, shooting at these animals can never be an acceptable response. ⁠These orcas need protection, not retaliation.” Since 2020, orcas in the region have repeatedly interacted with vessels in Atlantic waters, prompting Spanish authorities to issue guidance aimed at protecting boaters, vessels and the animals. Officials advise sailors not to use deterrent measures that could kill, injure or disturb the cetaceans.

At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed straight through the fin, while others may still be lodged inside, according to the group.

Scientists are yet to reach a consensus on the reasons for this relatively recent boat-ramming behaviour. Although known as ⁠killer whales, orcas are part of the dolphin family. They can measure up to 8 metres (26 feet) and weigh up to 6 metric tons (13,200 pounds) as adults. Toñi, also known as “La Abuela,” or “the grandmother,” is the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population, according to the conservation groups. Her population in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz is classified as vulnerable under Spain’s Catalog of Endangered Species.The Iberian orca subpopulation counts fewer than 40 animals, according to the groups. The population is distinct from other orcas in the Northeast Atlantic and not all of the orcas in this subpopulation interact with boats. This Critically Endangered status was decided based on the very low number of adult individuals and the fact that the whales heavily depend on an endangered prey species (the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna). The population also exhibits very low recruitment (a low number of young individuals) and may be in decline. Chemical pollution may be negatively affecting their reproduction and, like other whales and dolphins in the north-east Atlantic, these animals will be exposed to multiple negative human-caused stressors including noise, marine debris and bycatch.At an estimated 60 years old, Toñi could face added risks from injuries. According to WeWhale, the fin has a rich blood supply and helps the animal regulate its body temperature, meaning the wounds could lead to tissue damage, swelling or infection. If pellets remain lodged inside, the group warned that an infection could, in the worst case, become life-threatening. For now, however, there are encouraging signs. WeWhale said Toñi appears to be swimming and hunting normally, and its team will continue watching her closely.The stakes for anyone found responsible could be steep. Spanish law prohibits killing, capturing, pursuing or disturbing protected species, and violations of regulations protecting the orcas can carry penalties of up to 2 million euros, equivalent to about $2.3 million, along with potential criminal liability, according to MITECO. The ministry’s General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification is investigating the incident. Authorities have not announced a suspect or identified anyone who may be responsible for the injuries.