Veterinarian Dr. Paul McCurdy carries one of four turtles the Maui Ocean Center raised at the aquarium to the water to be released into the open ocean Thursday. Maui Ocean Center photo

Four green sea turtles raised in captivity were released into Maui waters and swam away into the open ocean for the first time Thursday in a “Born Free” moment for the Maui Ocean Center.

Reminiscent of the 1960s movie about a couple who raised a lion and released her into the African plains, Luana, which means “relaxed”; Holokai, “sea voyager”; Kapena, “captain”; and Nanahea, “full of life,” left Maalaea Small Boat Harbor on the Ali’i Nui catamaran, joined by aquarium staff and special guests. At the release site, the turtles received a departing protocol by Kahu Dane Maxwell, the aquarium’s Hawaiian cultural director.

For the aquarists who provided care for the turtles since their arrival as hatchlings, it was a bittersweet farewell as they walked each turtle down to the water’s edge, the Maui Ocean Center news release said.

It was the turtles’ first introduction to the open ocean. Following a brief pause, they began venturing out to explore their new surroundings, the news release said.

The four turtles were hatched at Sea Life Park Hawai’i on Oahu in 2016 before their transfer to Maui Ocean Center at 2 months old, as part of a partnership between the two aquariums. The Maui Ocean Center has raised and released 78 Hawaiian green sea turtles since 1998 through the partnership.

The turtles were released with Passive Integrated Transponder Tags as well as “MOC” and a letter marked on their shell for identification purposes. Maui Ocean Center encourages the public to keep an eye out for these turtles at a safe distance. If sighted, report the date, time, ID letter and location to Maui Ocean Center by phone at 270-7075, by email at info@mauioceancenter.com or social media.

Maui Ocean Center still exhibits six sea turtles and is expecting new hatchlings soon, the news release said.