Who We Are
Committed to Protecting the Endangered Iberian Orcas
The Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation, founded by Sarah Connor and Janek Andre, is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the endangered Iberian orcas. These magnificent beings inhabit the Strait of Gibraltar from April to September, and their numbers are under threat from human retaliation and aggression, illegal fishing practices, and noise pollution.
Our mission is to protect the orcas and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Through active patrolling, education, and conflict resolution, we ensure that humans and orcas can coexist peacefully.
Sarah and Janek
Our Team
Meet our Marine Biologist - Cristina
Cristina Otero Sabio is a marine biologist specializing in cetaceans. She studied at the University of Granada and completed her PhD in Italy. With over eleven years of field experience, she brings both scientific expertise and hands-on knowledge to her work in marine conservation.
Meet our Captain – Vicente
Vicente Cancho Lopez has dedicated over 30 years to working on and with the ocean. As a diving instructor, he has traveled the world, exploring underwater worlds and sharing his knowledge with others. His lifelong passion for the sea and its magnificent inhabitants has now brought him to the Iberian Orca Guardians.
Meet our Project Manager - Daniela
For more than 15 years, Daniela Singhal has supported NGOs in communication and public outreach. At our foundation she manages the Ambassador Program, builds partnerships, and organizes events to raise awareness and support for the conservation of the Iberian Orcas.
Why we created the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation
Since 2020, the Iberian orcas have been in the spotlight due to increased interactions with boats along the coasts of Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Misleading media coverage has painted these interactions as “attacks,” fueling fear and leading to negative outcomes for the orcas.
Our foundation works to promote the correct representation of these animals in the media, actively protect them through patrols, and support sailors navigating orca-inhabited waters to avoid conflicts.
On the Ground and at Sea
Our foundation operates across Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, combining direct action with education and advocacy. Whether patrolling the waters, speaking to the media, or supporting sailors, we are dedicated to a future where orcas thrive in their natural environment.
We collaborate with marine biologists, conservationists, and local communities to ensure that we protect not only the orcas but the entire ecosystem.
Join Us in Safeguarding the Iberian Orcas
The fight to protect these majestic beings is ongoing, and we need your help. Whether through donations, becoming an ambassador or volunteer, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts. Together, we can ensure a future where Iberian orcas thrive in harmony with their environment and humanity.
