A rare sea turtle is embarking on an epic 5,000-mile journey home after washing up close to death on a UK beach.
Rhossi is today (10 August) jetting off for the Gulf of Mexico after spending more than two years being nursed back to health.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle has undergone an incredible transformation since he was discovered in a critical condition in December 2023.
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Staff at Anglesey Sea Zoo have watched him grow from just 1kg to a whopping 21kg during his time in care, as reported by Need To Know.
But getting Rhossi safely across the Atlantic will be no easy feat, with his carers even stocking up on sex lubricant and Vaseline to stop him drying out.
The turtle is set to travel by helicopter from Anglesey to London before being driven to Heathrow Airport.
He will then board a British Airways flight to Houston, Texas, before eventually being returned to his natural habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the biggest challenges during the 10-hour flight will be keeping Rhossi’s skin moist while he is out of the water.
Matt Davidson, curator of Anglesey Sea Zoo, revealed to the BBC that the team will rely on KY Jelly to protect his skin.
The lubricant is reportedly gentle on the turtle’s eyes and will help prevent his skin from peeling while he is inside his crate.
His entire shell will also be smothered in Vaseline to prevent it from flaking.
Matt admitted to the BBC that he got ‘strange looks’ when he purchased eight tubes of lube and three tubs of Vaseline at his local chemist.
A spokesperson for Anglesey Sea Zoo said: “Rhossi received his ‘Fit to fly’ certification last week in preparation for his journey back home in just two days.
“Across one helicopter ride to London), one drive to Heathrow, and one long haul flight, Rhossi will be returning back to the Gulf of Mexico to live out the rest of his life in his natural habitat.
“With only 8000 nesting female Kemp’s Ridley turtles left in the wild, Rhossi’s rehabilitation and repatriation is a huge triumph for marine conservation.
“You never know, he may even meet Tally, our female Kemp’s Ridley from 2023.
“Wouldn’t it be brilliant if two of Anglesey Sea Zoo’s rescued turtles produced offspring together.
“One turtle, one extraordinary journey.”
Rhossi was first discovered by a dog called Meg while she was out walking with her owner.
The stricken turtle had washed up on a beach near Rhosneigr in Anglesey, Wales – inspiring rescuers to give him his name.
He was less than two years old at the time and suffering from a condition known as ‘cold-stunning’ after becoming stranded in waters far cooler than those of his natural habitat.
It is believed Rhossi lost his way from warmer seas after being blown off course by strong winds.
Now, more than two years after his dramatic rescue, the turtle is finally heading back to the warmer waters where he belongs.
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