ONE of the best-known members of Spain’s vulnerable – if notorious – Iberian orca pod has been spotted with several unexplained wounds across her dorsal fin and body.
Toñi, one of the lead matriarchs of the 40-strong population, was pictured in the Strait of Gibraltar this week in waters near Tarifa, southern Spain.
Paco Gil, from whale-watching company Turmares, shared a photograph showing several distinct marks on the elderly female orca’s back and side.
READ MORE: Orca encounters in the Strait of Gibraltar have collapsed by 80%
The image has caused concern on social media. Some users have suggested that the marks resemble wounds from pellets or another type of firearm ammunition.
However, authorities have not confirmed if anyone shot Toñi. Experts have also not yet published an assessment of the marks.
The photograph comes at a sensitive time for the Iberian orca population.
Spain legally protects Iberian orcas. The country also lists the population around the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz as vulnerable under its catalogue of threatened species.
READ MORE: Orcas sinks a yacht off the coast of Spain
Spanish law bans people from deliberately killing, capturing, pursuing or disturbing the animals.
A previous incident has also raised concern.
In 2023, Spain’s Guardia Civil identified the crew of a recreational catamaran after a video circulated online.
The footage showed people firing shots, or using what officers described as another type of explosive device, against an orca near the Strait of Gibraltar.
The latest photograph follows several years of controversy over encounters between Iberian orcas and sailing boats.
Since 2020, some orcas have repeatedly approached vessels and made contact with their rudders.
In some cases, the encounters caused serious damage to the boats.
READ MORE: ‘You could feel the power’: Nerve-wracking encounter with an orca in the Strait of Gibraltar
However, scientists and Spanish authorities have repeatedly warned against calling these incidents “attacks”.
Spanish authorities brought together an international group of orca specialists to study the behaviour.
The experts concluded that the interactions appeared more consistent with play or social behaviour than deliberate aggression towards people.
Official figures also show that interactions between boats and orcas fell significantly during 2025 in the Gulf of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Authorities warn sailors not to harm orcas
Spanish authorities continue to warn sailors not to use deterrents that could harm or disturb the animals.
Instead, they advise boats to move towards the coast or shallower waters when they encounter orcas.
Sailors should also report the sighting to Salvamento Marítimo.
The latest images of Toñi have renewed concern about the safety of one of the best-known animals in this small and vulnerable population.
For now, one question remains unanswered: what caused the marks on Toñi?
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