Ascona Group Helps Endangered Sea Turtle Begin 5,000-Mile Journey Home
Ascona Group CEO Darren Briggs will take to the skies next Monday (10 August) on what is undoubtedly one of the most unusual flights of his career.
As a qualified helicopter pilot, Darren has volunteered both an Ascona Group helicopter and his own time to transport Rhossi, one of the world's rarest and most critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles, on the first stage of his remarkable 5,000-mile journey from Wales back to the Gulf of Mexico.
Rhossi was rescued in December 2023 after being found cold-stunned on a beach at Rhosneigr by a local black Labrador called Meg. Since then, he has spent almost two years being cared for by Frankie Hobro and the specialist team at Anglesey Sea Zoo, who have prepared him for his return to the wild as part of an international conservation effort involving partners in Wales, England and the United States.
Accompanied by his co-pilot Gareth Abbott, Darren will fly Rhossi from Anglesey to Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire. The one-and-a-half-hour helicopter flight replaces around seven hours of road travel, reducing the time Rhossi spends in his specially designed temperature-controlled transport crate before continuing by road to Heathrow and then by British Airways cargo flight to Houston, Texas.
Around a week later, Rhossi is expected tobe released into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Padre Island National Seashore, where Kemp's ridley turtles naturally live.
Speaking ahead of the flight, Darren Briggs said:
"When I first heard Rhossi's story, I knew I wanted to help. My daughter has always been interested in marine conservation, and I've always admired the people who dedicate their lives to protecting our oceans and wildlife. To be able to play even a small part in helping Rhossi return home is a real privilege."
At Ascona Group, supporting communities and worthwhile causes has always been part of who we are. Helping Rhossi begin his journey home is another example of what can be achieved when businesses, charities and conservation organisations work together towards a common goal.
We'll be sharing updates as Rhossi'sjourney unfolds.
In the meantime, we'd encourage everyone to follow Anglesey Sea Zoo on LinkedIn and social media to learn more about their remarkable rescue, rehabilitation and conservation work, and to support the vital role they play in protecting marine wildlife.
