'La Abuela' orca found wounded as Iberian population falls below 40

Spain's Environment Ministry has launched an investigation into the possible shooting of a rare Iberian orca named "Toñi" or "La Abuela," the oldest known individual of the species in the Strait of Gibraltar. The 60-year-old female orca, classified as vulnerable under Spain's Catalog of Endangered Species, was discovered with wounds to her dorsal fin that likely resulted from shotgun pellets.

The Ministry learned of the injuries on August 11 after receiving information from marine conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians, who regularly monitor the region's orcas with government authorization. The conservationists had observed the deterioration of Toñi's condition over time, noting that the wounds were not visible in earlier photographs.

"Seeing Toñi like this is devastating," said Janek Andre, head of the conservation groups. "If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal, but an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population."

The Iberian orca subpopulation, which counts fewer than 40 animals, is distinct from other orcas in the Northeast Atlantic. These whales heavily depend on an endangered prey species, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, and rely on a relatively low number of adult individuals for their survival. Chemical pollution may also be negatively affecting their reproduction, contributing to the species' Critically Endangered status.

Authorities are not currently aware of a suspect in the incident, but under Spanish law, any violation of regulations protecting the orcas can carry severe penalties, including up to 2 million euros in fines and potential criminal liability. The General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, a division of Spain's Environment Ministry, is currently investigating the matter.