Joy as stranded giant turtle makes it back to Atlantic ocean

Yawkey, a rare leatherback sea turtle, moves off the beach at the Isle of Palms, S.C. Image by (AP Photo/Bruce Smith)

In a manouevre that brought smiles to many faces, a giant 475lb leatherback turtle made its way slowly down a South Carolina beach and back to the Atlantic ocean.

The rare animal was found stranded five days ago and nursed back to health at the South Carolina Aquarium. It took five people to carry the turtle, named Yawkey, onto the beach.

Then, to the immense relief of bystanders and the aquarium staff, Yawkey lumbered into the water at at the Isle of Palms, S.C.

This  is the first leatherback turtle known to have stranded alive in the state. A gender could not  be determined for the animal, but it is believed to be 10-15 years old. Mature leatherback turtles can reach 2000lb.