Toñi, oldest Gibraltar orca, found with pellet wounds

Toñi, the oldest orca in the Strait of Gibraltar, has been found with around ten pellet wounds on her dorsal fin, sparking a scientific and governmental investigation. The 60-year-old matriarch, known as "la abuela," was spotted on August 10 with injuries that experts say are consistent with shotgun pellets, likely from a 9mm lead shot used for wild boar hunting Source: infobae. The wounds were not present in photographs taken weeks earlier, indicating they are recent Source: euronewses.

The discovery

WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians first raised the alarm after comparing current images with previous records. Janek Andre, founder of WeWhale, stated that the injuries are compatible with a shotgun blast Source: euronewses. The Atlantic Orca Working Group noted that the pattern of nine pellets in three rows of three matches the distribution of the marks Source: infobae. The dorsal fin is highly vascularized and crucial for thermoregulation, raising concerns about infection and sepsis Source: clarin.

Official response

The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco) opened an investigation on August 12 after receiving a report from WeWhale Source: elconfidencial. Vice President Sara Aagesen called the incident a "serious crime" against a vulnerable species Source: infobae. Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause, but the main hypothesis is a deliberate attack Source: euronewses. Spanish officials have contacted Portuguese authorities, as the shooting may have occurred between Faro and the Strait Source: lavanguardia.

Conservation concerns

Toñi's role is vital for the survival of the Iberian orca population, which numbers only 30-40 individuals Source: infobae. Her disappearance would also impact a young male under her care Source: infobae. The population is listed as vulnerable in Spain, and harming them can result in fines up to €2 million Source: lavanguardia. CIRCE, which has monitored Toñi for over two decades, urges caution before confirming the cause, emphasizing the need for detailed image review Source: euronewses.