Rhossi the Sea Turtle's Journey Home

Rhossi, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle, is being flown from Wales to the Gulf of Mexico after being rescued and rehabilitated. The turtle was found close to death on a beach near Rhosneigr, Anglesey, in December 2023. He was cold-stunned after reaching water much colder than his normal habitat.

Staff at Anglesey Sea Zoo provided specialist care for more than two years. During that time, Rhossi grew from under one kilogram to 21 kilograms. The rehabilitation was successful, and now he is ready to return to the wild.

The return journey covers about 5,000 miles. Rhossi will travel out of water, first by helicopter from Anglesey to London, then by cargo plane to Houston, Texas. Staff have prepared a temperature-controlled crate and will prevent his shell, skin, and eyes from drying out.

Kemp's ridley turtles are the world's rarest sea turtles. Conservationists hope returning Rhossi to the wild will help the species' survival, though they say the release is one careful step, not a guarantee.