Islanders Make Human Path To Oceanic Freedom For Baby Turtles

The people of Bonaire ensured this year's sea turtle hatchlings made it safely to sea

Two years ago, a group of baby turtles hatched on a beach on the island of Bonaire, right next to an airport, Sue Willis, program director of Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, told ABC News.

After turtles, hatch they crawl toward the brightest light they see, which is usually the moon over the ocean. But the airport's bright lights distracted the turtles and made them crawl in the wrong direction. Two years ago, an entire group of hatchlings was killed after they crawled onto a busy road.

This year, on July 1, another group of Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings began their journey on the same becah from the nest to the open water.

To ensure the turtles did not crawl in the wrong direction, a human wall of 400 volunteers created a pathway to guide the hatchlings to the ocean.

(Photo via Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire)