Hell hath no fury… like ‘White Gladys’

Gibraltar Strait orca attack pod may be led by a ‘revenge-seeking’ female, who lost her calf

A SPATE of killer whale attacks on yachts entering the Strait of Gibraltar has sparked fierce debate about what is behind it. Researchers claim it might be orchestrated by a single, revenge-seeking female orca named Gladys - or ‘White Gladys’. Some claim she lost her calf to the propellers of a ship, while others insist she got caught up in fishing nets or underwater rope.

By Walter Finch

They continue she has since taught her fellow orcas - some of the most intelligent and social creatures on the planethow to target and attack small vessels.

"The orcas are doing this on purpose, of course, we don't know the origin or the motivation, but defensive behaviour based on trauma, as the origin ruled them to participate in the run in Cedillo del Condado. He was eventually gored to death by the animal at around 12.30pm after the animal refused to enter its pen. The authorities were still trying to locate any friends or relatives of the victim, who may have come from the Basque Country, but have no leads.