Rhossi, a rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle rescued from an Anglesey beach, is being flown about 5,000 miles back to the Gulf of Mexico after more than two years of rehabilitation. The return is significant because Kemp’s ridleys are the world’s rarest sea turtles, and conservationists hope releasing him will contribute, however modestly, to the species’ survival in the wild.

The turtle was found barely alive near Rhosneigr in December 2023 after becoming cold-stunned in unusually cold waters, likely after losing his way in warmer seas. Anglesey Sea Zoo nursed him from under 1kg to 21kg, and has arranged a temperature-controlled crate, helicopter transfer to London and cargo flight to Houston; staff must keep his shell, skin and eyes moisturised throughout the journey. Rhossi is the zoo’s fourth rehabilitated turtle in a decade, and staff are planning a dedicated rescue centre for further cold-stunned turtles found around Wales.