One of world’s oldest orca whales found with possible shotgun wounds as officials launch investigation

The mysterious wounds found on one of the world's oldest orcas have triggered an investigation in Spain and raised questions about whether someone took aim at the famed killer whale amid years of tense encounters between orcas and boats.

Toñi, the oldest known Iberian orca, surfaced in the Strait of Gibraltar with multiple fresh marks across her dorsal fin and back that conservationists believe were caused by shotgun pellets.

The injuries were not visible in photographs taken just weeks earlier.

The orca, known as Toñi, was spotted this week with marks Spanish officials described as compatible with possible pellet shots, according to Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

CALIFORNIA TEEN FACES PRISON AFTER VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS HIM SQUARING UP, REPEATEDLY KICKING SEA LION IN THE FACE The ministry said it learned of Toñi's injuries on Aug.

11, after receiving information from marine conservation group WeWhale, which operates in the area with government authorization.

Officials opened preliminary investigative proceedings the next day to determine what happened and potentially identify those responsible.

While Spanish authorities have stopped short of concluding that Toñi was shot, conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians said their teams believe the appearance, number and distribution of the wounds point to a shotgun discharge.

The groups said the injuries appeared suddenly.

They had photographed and observed Toñi only weeks earlier, when the wounds were not present.

WeWhale said its team counted roughly 10 apparent pellet impacts on the left side of her dorsal fin.

At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed straight through the fin, while others may still be lodged inside, according to the group.

EL-SAYED IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER 'SICKENING' ANIMAL CONTROL RECORD GOES VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA At an estimated 60 years old, Toñi could face added risks from the injuries.

WeWhale said the fin has a rich blood supply and helps the animal regulate its body temperature , meaning the wounds could lead to tissue damage, swelling or infection.