WATCH: 4 Sea Turtles Released In Point Pleasant Beach

Four sea turtles returned to the ocean at Point Pleasant Beach. And we have the video.

Sea Turtle Recovery, STR, released the turtles around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The release was at Water Street near Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and the public was encouraged to get to the beach early to be able to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles that are returning home.

If you couldn't get to the beach, watch it here – hundreds were there to watch:

STR is a nonprofit hospital located inside the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and, since opening in December of 2016, it has rehabilitated and released 23 endangered and threatened sea turtles. On September 5, STR will be releasing Tammie, an adult Loggerhead, and three juvenile Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.

Sea Turtle Recovery is the only facility in the state able to rehabilitate sea turtles needing long term care, and this will be the group’s second release in New Jersey. Many people still remember last year when STR released Humphry, an 87-pound Loggerhead sea turtle, off of Point Pleasant Beach.

However, this release is guaranteed to be “larger” as they plan to release their first ever adult Loggerhead sea turtle that weighs over 250 pounds.

Tammie was rescued by the crew of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson, who found her floating and unable to dive off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey while on routine patrol.

The crew used a deployable response boat and cargo net to bring Tammie onto the ship, while STR staff embarked the cutter to stabilize her and help bring her to shore. Tammie was rehabilitated for injuries received from propeller strikes across her carapace, top shell, and she is now ready to return to the ocean.

“Watching Tammie return to the ocean will be highly rewarding. After over a year in rehabilitation, this turtle and all of the turtles getting released take a piece of my heart with them on their journey,” commented Co-Executive Officer of STR Brandi Biehl.

Tammie will be joined by Glacier who has recovered from a broken flipper, Shellbie who recovered from fungal pneumonia, and Junior who is now healthy after a respiratory infection. These Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are critically endangered, which makes their return home vital in the effort to save their species.

“To see the fight to survive in these sea turtle’s eyes, it makes you realize how fragile our oceans are and how it is our responsibility to keep it safe for the animals that call it home.” said Biehl.

The release strategy is a coordinated effort to ensure that the sea turtles return to the ocean safely. Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Boardwalk, the Point Pleasant Dive Team, Point Pleasant Mayor Stephen Reid, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and Turtle Back Zoo have all assisted Sea Turtle Recovery’s beach preparations.

“We are proud to be a part of Sea Turtle Recovery’s conservation effort, and the rehabilitation of these animals inside Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is an example of our commitment to help endangered animals,” stated DiVincenzo.

There will then be an after-release breakfast starting at 8:30 at White Sands Resort and Spa for just $15 for those interested in videos and stories behind the turtles’ amazing recovery. Lastly, STR staff will have a table at Jenkinson’s Aquarium between 12 and 1:30pm to teach more about sea turtle conservation.

“There are so many ways to enjoy this release, but the best way to make a difference is by keeping our ocean and beaches clean. Point Pleasant Beach is proud to be part of Sea Turtle Recovery’s release, and we will continue to do our part for the environment and wildlife conservation in our town,” said Reid.

For those who can’t attend these release celebrations, Sea Turtle recovery will be sharing the release video via their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SeaTurtleRecovery. Also, a pre-release celebration will be happening September 1st to the 3rd inside Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.

For release information, go to seaturtlerecovery.org. Donations can be made to Sea Turtle Recovery at PO Box 497, West Orange, NJ 07052. Information about visiting Turtle Back Zoo is available at turtlebackzoo.com. Information about visiting Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Boardwalk is available at jenkinsons.com.

STR photos