Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Rhossi that was rescued in Wales gets treatment at Houston Zoo (Courtesy photo)
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A dog found a tiny sea turtle on a quiet beach in Wales in December 2023. The cold Atlantic water stunned the 2‑pound Kemp’s ridley. The rescue team named the turtle Rhossi.
Rhossi was taken to Anglesey Sea Zoo. Volunteers fed him a special diet. They checked his health every week. Over two years he grew to 46 pounds. He learned to swim and follow currents.
In August 2024, Rhossi was flown to Texas for rehab. A helicopter carried him from Wales to London. A cargo plane took him to Houston on 10 August 2024. The Texas State Aquarium and Dr. Joe Flanagan examined him.
X‑rays showed a small amount of pneumonia. Dr. Flanagan gave antibiotics. The aquarium fed him a growth diet. They let him swim in a large pool. They monitored his heart rate, breathing, and weight.
After full recovery, Rhossi will be released back to the Gulf. A satellite tag will track his first weeks. A safety net will help if needed. Visitors learn about currents and plastic waste. The program encourages support for sea turtles.