Ascona boss Darren Briggs is preparing to help a turtle, stranded on a beach in Anglesey more than two and a half years ago, back to his home 5,000 miles away.
Next Monday (August 10), together with co-pilot Gareth Abbott, Briggs will put his flying skills to good use by transporting the crated turtle on his first leg of his journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Briggs has arranged for the company’s helicopter to be converted for it precious cargo, for an hour and a half hour flight from Anglesey to Denham Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire.
The turtle, named Rhossi, is a critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. He was rescued by the Anglesey Sea Zoo in December 2023, after being discovered by a dog washed up on a beach at Rhosneigr, Anglesey.
Since then, specialists at Anglesey Sea Zoo have been 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.
Once the Ascona helicopter has touched down, Rhossi will continue by road to Heathrow before boarding a scheduled British Airways cargo flight to Houston, Texas. Around a week later, he is expected to be released into the Gulf of Mexico near Padre Island National Seashore, off of the South Texas coastline.
Darren Briggs, chief executive of Ascona Group, says that as soon as he heard Rhossi’s story he knew that he wanted to help.
“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.”
Frankie Hobro, owner and director of Anglesey Sea Zoo, adds: “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.”
