On 9 and 10 June 2026, we visited IES Vicente Aleixandre in Barbate together with Doris from Voluntarios Trafalgar to speak with students from several year groups about the Iberian orcas that visit the waters off Barbate every year.

We talked about the unique relationship between these orcas and Barbate, their long history alongside the local tuna fishery, and the conservation challenges they face today. We also discussed the importance of protecting this threatened population and the role local communities can play in its conservation.

The highlight of the visit was giving the students a very special responsibility: choosing the name of Elba’s calf, born in late 2024. After learning about the Iberian orcas and the individual families that make up the population, the students voted between several proposed names to decide the calf’s future identity.

From now on, this young orca will become their adopted orca, allowing students to follow its story and development year after year as part of an ongoing connection with the population that visits their coastline.

We were also joined by Gemma Rivera, Councillor at Barbate Town Council, whose presence highlighted the importance of involving local institutions and communities in the conservation of the Iberian orcas.

A special thank you to Fernando, teacher at IES Vicente Aleixandre, for his collaboration and for making this activity possible, and to the students and staff of the school for their enthusiasm and participation.

We are very happy to carry out activities like this, helping future generations to know, respect and love the Iberian orcas that have been visiting these waters for so many years. Raising awareness about this threatened population is essential, and its conservation will only be possible through cooperation from all of us.