KAILUA, Hawaii, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama and his family, on vacation in Hawaii, Tuesday released four young green sea turtles into the Pacific Ocean, the White House said.
On a sunny, breezy afternoon, the first family took a 40-minute motorcade ride from their vacation home in Kailua to Hanauma Bay, where they set free the 18-month-old turtles, a White House official said. Reporters were unable to catch a glimpse of the family.
The popular snorkeling spot was closed to the public for the day for maintenance and beautification.
All four of the released turtles were all born June 26, 2010, at Sea Life Park, Jeff Pawloski, curator of Sea Life, said. The turtles have distinctive markings and microchips implanted in their rear flippers so they can be identified if they come up on the beach.
The president and daughters Sasha and Malia then ventured down the road to Sea Life Park, the only place in the United States that raises green sea turtles in captivity, while first lady Michelle Obama was otherwise occupied.
The president's day included a morning trip to a nearby Marine Corps base for some workout time at the gym.
