Tally the Kemps Ridley turtle set for release

A critically endangered Kemps Ridley turtle, which was discovered on a beach in North Wales in a near-death state, has been transported to the Gulf of Mexico for release back into the wild. This remarkable repatriation mission, which took almost a year to organize, was made possible by the generosity and dedication of multiple organizations and volunteers. The Anglesey Sea Zoo, where the turtle underwent 20 months of rehabilitation, expressed their gratitude to RAF Valley for their logistical support. The turtle, named Tally after Talacre Beach, was flown to Houston by volunteer pilots Chris Sharp and Tom Baker, with assistance from British Airways. The repatriation process involved collaborations with various organizations in the USA, including Turtles Fly Too, the US Fish And Wildlife Service, Houston Zoo, and Texas A&M University.

Tally, a Kemps Ridley turtle, is the rarest turtle species in the world and is critically endangered. Protected under CITES regulations, there are only two known breeding sites for this species in the western Gulf of Mexico, with approximately 8,000 breeding females remaining. The repatriation and release of Tally, believed to be a female, holds great significance for the future of her species, as it is at risk of extinction.

Tally’s journey began when she was found stranded on Talacre Beach in November 2021 and was transferred to the Anglesey Sea Zoo for specialized care. Despite being initially unresponsive and comatose, Tally made a remarkable recovery under the zoo’s care. She successfully endured the 22-hour journey to Texas and arrived in Houston in good health. Tally was then transferred to the turtle rehabilitation facility at Houston Zoo, where she will undergo health assessments, blood tests, and swimming exercises to prepare for her release. Prior to her release, Tally will be fitted with a satellite tag.

The Anglesey Sea Zoo is currently raising funds to establish the first dedicated turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility in the UK. This facility will enable them to provide specialized care and increase the chances of survival for turtles found alive on British beaches. The need for such a facility is becoming more urgent due to the increasing occurrence of cold-stunned turtles in the UK caused by rising sea temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns.

Additionally, the Sea Zoo is also caring for Tonni, a juvenile loggerhead turtle that washed up on the Menai Strait earlier this year. Tonni has made excellent progress and is expected to be flown to the Atlantic for release back into the wild in a few months’ time. However, Tonni is currently not on public display as the turtle is undergoing careful rehabilitation in quarantine.
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