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A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Rhossi, which was found near death on a beach in Wales, is preparing for a 5,000-mile journey back to its natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. Discovered in December 2023, Rhossi was in critical condition when rescued but has since been rehabilitated by the Anglesey Sea Zoo team. Now, conservationists are organizing a carefully managed operation to transport the rare turtle across the Atlantic, taking special precautions to ensure it remains hydrated and safe throughout the trip.
The process of arranging Rhossi’s return trip has been meticulous, spanning nearly two years. The zoo staff designed a custom temperature-controlled crate and managed intricate cross-border paperwork to facilitate the transfer. Since Rhossi must briefly leave the water for travel—initially moving by helicopter from Anglesey to London, followed by a cargo flight to Houston, Texas—the team must act swiftly and continuously monitor his condition. Matt Davidson, curator at Anglesey Sea Zoo, explained, “We have to make sure that the shell is really well lubricated, so we spread Vaseline all over to stop it drying out and flaking off.” He further detailed the necessity of using KY Jelly on Rhossi’s skin, particularly around the eyes, to prevent peeling during transit.
Rhossi was discovered by a dog named Meg near the beach at Rhosneigr on Anglesey. At less than two years old, he was found in a severely weakened state due to being “cold-stunned,” a condition caused by exposure to much colder water than the turtle’s usual environment. The zoo suspects strong winds may have disrupted Rhossi’s navigation, leading to his stranding in Welsh waters. Over the past two and a half years, he has grown significantly in weight and size—from under 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) to 21 kilograms (46 pounds)—thanks to the dedicated care of the Anglesey Sea Zoo staff.
Frankie Hobro, owner of the Anglesey Sea Zoo, shared the emotional weight of this moment, expressing how rare it is for cold-stunned turtles to survive without specialized help. “Turtles belong in the wild, not in captivity, so it’s incredibly emotional because this is what we’ve been working towards for more than two years,” she said. Hobro also reflected on the bond developed with Rhossi during his rehabilitation, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of releasing him back to the Caribbean Sea. Rhossi’s return is significant not only for him but also for his species—the Kemp’s ridley, the rarest sea turtle globally, which only nests on a few beaches in Mexico and Texas. The Anglesey Sea Zoo hopes that Rhossi’s release will aid the survival of this endangered species and plans to establish a dedicated turtle rescue center to help more cold-stunned turtles along the Welsh coast in the future
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