This is the heartwarming moment locals gathered on a beach to witness the release of newly hatched sea turtles.

Footage shows excited children and their guardians, along with sanctuary staff, gathered at the shore in Terengganu, Malaysia, to send the baby green sea turtles off to sea.

One of the conservation officers and several children can be seen carefully tipping over a box filled with the tiny reptiles on July 11.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the hatchlings scurried across the sand toward the ocean.

Some youngsters, wearing transparent gloves, gently guided the turtles by giving them light nudges toward the water.

Sea turtles hatch throughout the year, but most commonly during the summer. Hatchlings are typically released within 24 hours of emerging from their eggs to improve their chances of survival.