Rhossi, a critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle found near death on a Welsh beach in December 2023, is being prepared for transport back to the Gulf of Mexico after two-and-a-half years of rehabilitation.
A rare sea turtle discovered washed ashore in Wales is set to undertake an ambitious international journey spanning over 5,000 miles to return to its natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. Named Rhossi after the Anglesey beach where it was found by a dog walker in December 2023, the young Kemp's ridley turtle was in critical condition when rescued, suffering from what conservationists term "cold-stunned" — a state caused by exposure to water far colder than its tropical home.
Staff at the Anglesey Sea Zoo have spent the past two-and-a-half years nursing Rhossi back to health, during which the turtle has tripled in size, growing from under 1 kilogram to 21 kilograms. The facility's curator explained that the journey requires meticulous preparation to protect the animal's delicate skin and eyes during transport. Specialized lubricants, including petroleum jelly and medical-grade gels, will be applied before and during the flight to prevent the turtle from drying out as it travels by helicopter to London and then by cargo aircraft to Houston, Texas.
The operation represents a significant undertaking, involving nearly two years of planning, construction of a temperature-controlled crate, and coordination of complex international paperwork. Zoo owner Frankie Hobro described the upcoming release as "incredibly emotional," noting that while the staff have formed bonds with Rhossi during rehabilitation, returning wild turtles to their natural environment is the ultimate conservation goal. The Kemp's ridley remains the world's rarest sea turtle species, with breeding populations limited to only two beaches in Mexico and Texas. Rhossi's successful rehabilitation marks the fourth such rescue by the facility in a decade and has inspired plans for a dedicated turtle rescue centre to serve the Welsh coast.
