VIDEO : Watch: Laura’s adorable little turtles are released into the Pacific Ocean in Panama

Dozens of baby sea turtles have been released onto the sands of Punta Chama Beach in Panama before escaping into the Pacific Ocean.

Laura the turtle faces many threats, including beach pollution, the effects of global climate change, and the trade in its eggs.

The turtles were released onto the shore, rather than directly into the water, so they could do what is known as “imprinting,” says Jorge Padilla, a member of the Tortuguias Foundation.

“Imprinting” is a process that, Mr. Padilla adds, “in 18 to 20 years will bring them back to the beach where they were born.”