Spain investigates likely shooting of endangered 'grandmother' orca
Conservation groups said the 60-year-old orca had up to 12 new marks, and Spain opened preliminary proceedings to determine whether it was shot.
- Spain's Environment Ministry ordered an investigation Friday into the likely shooting of Toñi, the oldest known Iberian orca, after the animal was filmed with injuries compatible with shotgun pellets in the Strait of Gibraltar.
- With fewer than 40 animals remaining in the Iberian orca subpopulation, any injury to a matriarch like Toñi poses a significant threat to the group's stability and survival.
- Field teams from the WeWhale Association and Iberian Orca Guardians documented multiple new wounds across Toñi's dorsal fin during their operations, providing visual evidence of the injuries.
- Deputy Prime Minister Sara Aagesen condemned the incident Friday, stating that harming this vulnerable species constitutes "a serious crime" and confirming the government formally initiated an inquiry.
- Janek Andre of the WeWhale Association warned that shooting orcas is never an acceptable response to recent boat-ramming behavior, emphasizing these animals need "protection, not retaliation.
51 Articles
51 Articles
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 is actively investigating a distressing situation involving Toni, an injured Iberian orca. The oldest member of her pod has been discovered with wounds resembling those inflicted by shotgun pellets, as witnessed by marine conservationists documenting several impacts on her dorsal fin. The Iberian orca population is critically endangered and endures significant threats due to human actions and pollution.
One of world’s oldest orca whales found with possible shotgun wounds as officials launch investigation
Spain opened an investigation after Iberian orca Toñi surfaced in the Strait of Gibraltar with wounds conservationists believe were caused by a shotgun blast amid tense boat encounters.
The Spanish government is investigating how the 60-year-old orca, Toñi, appeared in the Strait this week with about ten suspected gunshot wounds on her dorsal fin...
The Spanish government has opened an investigation into a possible attack on the oldest Iberian orca. Environmental organizations discovered multiple gunshot wounds on the orca's dorsal fin earlier this week. Iberian orcas are the most endangered orca population in the world.
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Spain investigates likely shooting of endangered orca
Spain's Environment Ministry 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.
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