Endangered sea turtle begins journey from Wales to Texas for release

Today (August 10) - Darren Briggs, CEO of the Pembrokeshire-headquartered business Ascona Group, will fly Rhossi, a critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle, from Anglesey to Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire as part of an international rescue mission affectionately dubbed ‘Free Willy Meets Mission Impossible.’

Accompanied by co-pilot Gareth Abbott, the flight will take one-and-a-half hours, and, once the helicopter has touched down, the turtle will continue by road to Heathrow before boarding a scheduled British Airways cargo flight to Houston, Texas. Around a week later, Rhossi is expected to be released into the Gulf of Mexico near Padre Island National Seashore.

Rhossi was rescued in December 2023 after being discovered cold-stunned on a beach at Rhosneigr, Anglesey, by a local black labrador called Meg. Since then, specialists at Anglesey Sea Zoo have spent almost two years nursing him back to health before preparing him for his return to the wild as part of an international conservation effort involving experts in Wales, England and the United States.

Using a specially reconfigured Ascona Group helicopter, Darren is providing the flight free of charge. Passenger seats have been removed from the aircraft to accommodate Rhossi's bespoke temperature-controlled transport crate, ensuring the turtle can travel safely and comfortably on the first stage of his remarkable journey home.

Frankie Hobro, Owner and Director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, said:"After almost two years of rehabilitation, the time has finally come for Rhossi to return home. Every stage of this journey depends on people working together, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has offered their expertise, time and support to make it possible."

Darren Briggs, CEO of Ascona Group, the UK's 7th largest independent fuel retailer, said:"When I first heard Rhossi's story, I knew I wanted to help. It's incredible to think that a turtle rescued on a Welsh beach is now preparing to make a 5,000-mile journey back to where he belongs.

"My daughter has always been interested in marine conservation, and I have huge admiration for 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.

"This has only been possible because so many people have come together over the last two years. From the incredible team at Anglesey Sea Zoo to the conservation experts in the United States, volunteers, supporters and everyone working behind the scenes, it's been a genuine international team effort.

"At Ascona, we believe commercially successful businesses have a responsibility to support the communities and causes that matter. We're incredibly proud that Ascona Aviation can help with one small but important stage of Rhossi's journey, and we all hope to see him safely back where he belongs and where he can help with future generations."

Supporting those in need has long been part of Ascona Group's ethos. Through the Ascona Giving Foundation, the business has donated more than £1 million to charities, schools and community organisations since 2017. The Group has also raised more than £450,000 towards its £1 million fundraising pledge for Wales Air Ambulance, reinforcing its commitment to creating a lasting social impact alongside commercial success.

For Darren, Gareth and everyone involved, Monday's flight is far more than a journey between two destinations. It marks the beginning of Rhossi's long-awaited journey home and another example of what can be achieved when businesses, conservationists and communities work together for a common cause.