In December 2023, a dog found a 2-pound Kemp’s ridley sea turtle on a beach in Wales. The turtle, named Rhossi, is one of the most endangered species of sea turtles in the world. Native to the Gulf of Mexico, Rhossi somehow made it 5,000 miles from home, and it would take two years for him to return. According to the Houston Zoo, the team at the Anglesey Sea Zoo took in the cold-stunned turtle and nursed him back to health. He finally returned to Texas on August 10, 2026, to undergo care in Houston.
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Rhossi the Sea Turtle is on the Mend
Because Rhossi wound up so far from home and in dangerously cold waters, it took the sea turtle years to grow and recover. The team and Anglesey Sea Zoo nursed him to nearly 50 pounds. Experts felt he was finally ready for the transatlantic flight and to begin his life back in Texas. Veterinarians put Rhossi into a deep tank to help acclimate him to his surroundings.
“Great to see the little one finally in the hands of people that know what they are doing!” A follower shared on Instagram.
“Sending love and prayers,” another person shared.
The Houston Zoo shared an update on Rhossi and thanked everyone who made Rhossi the sea turtle’s safe journey home a possibility.
“While his return to the Gulf of Mexico will take a little longer than expected, Rhossi’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion in wildlife conservation. For now, the focus remains on getting this resilient sea turtle healthy and ready for his long-awaited return home,” the zoo shared.
Rhossi had one heck of an adventure! What a lucky guy.
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