A criminal investigation has been opened in Spain after Toñi, considered the oldest orca in Iberian waters, was shot and wounded. The animal was found with several bullet holes in her dorsal fin.
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The signs of the injuries were discovered last month by environmentalists, who notified the authorities. On September 2, Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition referred the case to prosecutors. Those responsible could face fines of up to 2 million euros.
The investigation is being conducted by the Central Environmental Operations Unit of the Guardia Civil and is focusing on a Spanish-flagged vessel that is suspected of having been seen opening fire in Portuguese waters. Authorities are verifying whether the crew shot Toñi, as well as what reason may have prompted the act.
Janek Andre, founder of WeWhale and co-founder of Iberian Orca Guardians, says one possibility is that a sailor shot the orca in retaliation or to drive her away after she may have had physical contact with a boat. According to him, fishermen may have used the weapon to prevent her from interfering with fishing, while another possible motive may simply have been anger.
In recent days, Toñi has been spotted off the coast of Galicia, where she has been moving and feeding with her pod. Environmentalists say the wounds are healing well, but bullet fragments remain lodged in her fins. This condition increases the risk of blood infection and sepsis.
Toñi’s case is considered particularly important for the future of orcas in Iberian waters, a population that has declined significantly over the years. From around 60–70 animals in the 1990s, their number has now fallen to just 27.
As one of the oldest living matriarchs, Toñi plays a key role in her pod. She leads the group’s movements and helps pass on behaviors and culture to the other orcas.
The shooting has also brought renewed attention to the troubled relationship between orcas and vessels in Iberian waters. Since 2020, these animals have been involved in several interactions with boats, during which they have damaged rudders and, in some cases, caused vessels to sink.
However, Andre stresses that these episodes should not be described as attacks. He characterizes them as social behavior driven by curiosity, noting that humans are in the orcas’ natural habitat.
Experts recommend that sailors navigate in shallow waters to reduce the likelihood of encounters with orcas, which usually remain at depths of between 50 and 70 meters. They say that moving close to shore, in areas less than 20 meters deep, could significantly reduce the risk of interactions.
“They need protection, not revenge,” environmentalists said, as authorities continue working to identify those who wounded Toñi.
