In a remarkable conservation success, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle named Boeier was released into the Gulf of Mexico on November 4, 2024, after a year-long journey from the Netherlands. Rescued from a fishing net off the Dutch coast, Boeier was carried approximately 5,000 miles from its native habitat.
Initially found entangled in a commercial fishing net, Boeier was rehabilitated at the Rotterdam Zoo before being flown to Houston, Texas, arriving on October 29. Following medical evaluations and a period of acclimatization, the turtle was deemed healthy enough for release.
The Kemp's ridley, the smallest sea turtle species, is native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It has been listed as endangered since 1970, prompting ongoing conservation efforts to protect its dwindling population.
This event highlights the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation and the resilience of marine species.