Rhossi, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle found cold-stunned on Anglesey in December 2023, is to be flown about 5,000 miles (8,047 km) back to the Gulf of Mexico after two-and-a-half years of rehabilitation. A specially built, temperature-controlled crate and nearly two years of international coordination will support a fast, closely monitored transfer (helicopter to London, cargo flight to Houston). Staff will use careful lubrication of the shell, skin and eyes to prevent drying during transit. The zoo hopes Rhossi's release will aid the survival of the world’s rarest sea turtle species.
Incredibly Emotional 5,000‑Mile Journey: Rare Kemp's Ridley Turtle Rhossi To Be Flown Back To Gulf Of Mexico
Rhossi the sea turtle has to travel thousands of miles by plane to get home [BBC]
A rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle named Rhossi, found nearly dead on an Anglesey beach in December 2023, is set to be flown roughly 5,000 miles (8,047 km) back to the Gulf of Mexico after more than two years of rehabilitation at Anglesey Sea Zoo.
Rhossi being weighed and medically checked before his 5,000-mile journey [Anglesey Sea Zoo]
Staff have spent almost two years planning the carefully coordinated return, which includes bespoke cross-border paperwork and a specially built, temperature-controlled travel crate. Rhossi will be moved out of the water for part of the journey – first by helicopter from Anglesey to London and then by cargo flight to Houston, Texas – so the operation must be fast and closely monitored to prevent dehydration and drying.
Rhossi was found, barely alive, on a beach near Rhosneigr [Anglesey Sea Zoo]
Matt Davidson, curator of Anglesey Sea Zoo, explained the precautions: “We have to make sure the shell is well lubricated, so we spread Vaseline to stop it drying and flaking. The skin is delicate and the eyes must be lubricated before crating and again before takeoff, or the tissue will start to peel from exposure.”
Davidson also shared a light-hearted aside about sourcing supplies, saying he had to explain multiple tubes of KY Jelly (a medical lubricant used in animal care) and tubs of Vaseline to pharmacists.
Frankie Hobro, owner of the Anglesey Sea Zoo, says flying to the Gulf of Mexico with Rhossi will be an emotional experience [BBC]
Rhossi was discovered in a near-death state on a beach near Rhosneigr by a dog called Meg and her owner. He was less than two years old and suffering from “cold-stunning”, a condition caused when turtles are exposed to water far colder than their normal habitat. Staff believe wind and currents likely carried him away from warmer seas.
Conservationists hope Rhossi's release to the wild will help the species survive [BBC]
During two-and-a-half years in care, Rhossi has tripled in size, growing from under 1 kg (2.2 lb) to about 21 kg (46 lb). He is the fourth sea turtle the zoo has rescued and rehabilitated in the past decade.
Frankie Hobro, owner of Anglesey Sea Zoo, said: “Cold-stunned turtles rarely survive without specialist help — we didn't know if he would make it in the first week or two. Turtles belong in the wild, not in captivity, so returning Rhossi is incredibly emotional after more than two years of care. We've come to know his quirks, and soon a little piece of us will be swimming off into the Caribbean Sea.”
Kemp's ridleys are the rarest sea turtle species and nest on only two beaches in Mexico and Texas. The Anglesey Sea Zoo hopes Rhossi's return will contribute to conservation efforts for the species. Staff are also planning a dedicated turtle rescue centre to treat future cold-stunned sea turtles found around the Welsh coast.
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