Thousands of turtle hatchlings were released onto a beach to make their way to the sea under the watchful eye of wildlife officials in Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu, India.

The release was part of a scheme in which Oliver Ridley turtles lay eggs in December, which are taken to egg hatcheries set up by the forest department.

The thousands of baby turtles that later hatch are then taken to the shoreline, from where they make their way to the sea.

They are expected to return to the same area eight years later, where they will then lay their own eggs.

This is the third round of baby turtles released from the hatcheries.

Thousands of turtle hatchlings make their way to sea under watchful eyes of wildlife officials in India

Location: Sirkazhi Mayiladudhurai Tamilnadu state.

Oliver Ridley turtles lay eggs during the December month and these eggs are preserved in egg hatcheries set up by the forest department. These 2020 hatchlings are brought to the shores and they made their way to the sea of the coast. These will return after 8 years to the same land where they were born to lay eggs.

This is the third round of baby turtles that we left in the sea from the hatcheries