Spain Investigates Suspected Shooting of Endangered Iberian Orca

Spanish authorities have opened an investigation after Toñi, the oldest member of an endangered Iberian orca pod, was seen with wounds that officials said were consistent with pellet-gun fire.

Spain’s environment ministry said on Friday, August 14, 2026, that the markings were visible on the orca’s dorsal fin while she swam in the Strait of Gibraltar. A ministry source cited by El País said some projectiles appeared to remain lodged in the fin, creating a possible infection risk. Spanish officials were also in contact with Portugal because the injuries were detected after the pod travelled from waters near Faro.

Conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians are monitoring Toñi for signs of weakness. The groups said the wounds were not present when observers saw her several weeks earlier and warned against retaliation toward the animals.

Members of the pod have damaged scores of vessels and at least four boats have sunk since unusual interactions began drawing attention in 2020. Scientists have cautioned against describing the behaviour as deliberate attacks, suggesting it could be play or practice related to hunting.

Researchers estimate that only 30 to 40 animals remain in the Iberian population. Food scarcity, pollution, injuries and heavy shipping traffic already place the group under significant pressure. Authorities have not identified a suspect or confirmed how Toñi sustained the wounds.