Endangered Kemp's Ridley Turtle Rhossi Finds New Home at Houston Zoo
Kemp's ridley sea turtle Rhossi, rescued from a Welsh beach, arrives at Houston Zoo after a transatlantic move.
An endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle has begun a new chapter at the Houston Zoo after an extraordinary transatlantic relocation. The turtle, named Rhossi, was discovered cold-shocked on a beach in Wales and spent two years undergoing rehabilitation before being deemed fit for the move.
Rhossi's journey to Texas was nothing short of epic. The turtle was first transported by helicopter from Wales to Heathrow Airport, followed by a transatlantic flight to Houston — a trip covering roughly 5,000 miles.
Upon arrival in Texas, Rhossi was immediately assessed by the Houston Zoo's sea turtle staff and a veterinarian while still at the airport. The team then transported the turtle to the zoo, where it was placed in a deep-water tank designed to help it acclimate to its new environment.
The Kemp's ridley is the world's most endangered sea turtle species, making Rhossi's successful relocation a significant event for conservation efforts. Zoo staff will continue to monitor the turtle as it adjusts to its new home in Houston.