Sea Turtle’s Cross-Continental Recovery
A rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found near death on a beach in Wales has made an extraordinary 5,000-mile journey back toward its natural home in the Gulf of Mexico. Named Rhossi, the turtle was discovered in December 2023 weighing just two pounds after being swept across the Atlantic by ocean currents and becoming dangerously cold-stunned. The Anglesey Sea Zoo spent more than two years rehabilitating Rhossi, who grew stronger and eventually reached 46 pounds. In August, an international team of wildlife organizations coordinated a helicopter trip to London followed by a transatlantic flight to Texas, where Rhossi is now receiving care at the Houston Zoo. Veterinarians are treating lingering pneumonia, but say the turtle is otherwise healthy, active, and vigorous. Once fully recovered, the goal is to release Rhossi into the Gulf of Mexico, completing a remarkable rescue made possible by years of collaboration across two continents.
Image via Houston Zoo
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