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Loggerhead sea turtles hatch, head to ocean with the help of the Virginia Aquarium

It was a dark night as newly hatched baby turtles tried to make their way to the sea for the first time. So, Virginia Aquarium staffers helped them out.

Credit: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It was quite a night for staffers from the Virginia Aquarium, who not only got to witness the birth of some sea turtles over the weekend at Virginia Beach North End but aid in their trek to the ocean, as well.

Sunday night for the Virginia Aquarium Response Team was a busy one. According to a post on Facebook, a sea turtle nest they've been keeping track of since June finally hatched.

Post by VirginiaAquarium.

It was a dark and overcast night with barely any moonlight to help guide the baby turtles to the sea.

So staffers created an "artificial moon" with some white camera lights to guide the newborns' way.

PHOTOS: Va. Aquarium staffers help baby turtles get to ocean

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Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

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