A critically endangered sea turtle, identified as Rhossi, a Kemp's ridley, has completed the first leg of an extensive journey spanning approximately 5,000 miles back to its natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. The turtle was found near death on a Welsh beach in December 2023 and subsequently spent over two years undergoing specialized care.
Rhossi, measuring just 25 centimeters long and weighing less than a kilogram, was discovered cold-stunned on Traeth Llydan beach in Anglesey. The turtle was taken to Anglesey Sea Zoo, where a comprehensive rehabilitation program was initiated. Conservationists applied Vaseline and KY Jelly to Rhossi's skin and eyes to prevent dehydration during the transit.
Frankie Hobro, owner and director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, accompanied Rhossi on the journey. The transit involved a helicopter flight from Anglesey to Heathrow, followed by a cargo flight to Houston, with the total travel time approaching 18 hours. This aerial repatriation marks a significant milestone after years of dedicated work by the zoo's staff.
Upon arrival in Houston, Rhossi will undergo further medical assessments. The plan is for him to continue his journey towards the Texas coast, where he is scheduled to be released into the Gulf of Mexico near Padre Island on August 18. A specialized tank provided by the Houston Zoo will facilitate his onward transfer.
Before his release into the wild, conservationists will conduct blood tests, assess his weight and strength, and fit him with a satellite tracker. This data will help monitor his adaptation to his natural environment. The release site near Padre Island was chosen because it is known to have a healthy breeding population of Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and it is believed to be Rhossi's origin point.
Rhossi is the fourth cold-stunned sea turtle rescued and rehabilitated by Anglesey Sea Zoo in the past decade. Notably, each of these rescued turtles was discovered by a dog after washing ashore. Kemp's ridley turtles are considered the rarest and most critically endangered sea turtle species globally, primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the U.S. East Coast. Juvenile turtles can be carried across the Atlantic by ocean currents and become cold-stunned in colder waters, leading them to wash ashore.