GALVESTON, Texas — A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, named Boeier in honor of the rescue boat that found it, has been successfully released back into the Gulf of Mexico after a series of extraordinary events. The turtle was located approximately 5,000 miles from its normal habitat off the Dutch coast about a year ago, where it had become trapped in a fishing net from a commercial vessel.

The Houston Zoo reported that this rare turtle likely drifted away from its native waters due to ocean currents before being rescued. The U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Service played a crucial role in facilitating its return to the United States.

Initially, Boeier was taken to the Rotterdam Zoo, where veterinary staff took care of its recovery. After receiving essential treatment and rehabilitation, the turtle was flown to Houston, arriving on October 29.

Once in Texas, Boeier underwent medical examinations and an acclimatization process to ensure it regained full health. Finally, on November 4, the turtle was released back into its habitat from Stewart Beach in Galveston.

Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest species of sea turtles, measuring between 27 to 32 inches in length and weighing between 75 to 100 pounds. This particular species is indigenous to the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They have been classified as an endangered species since 1970, as reported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.