5 MIN READ
03-06-2025
Baby Henry: A Little Miracle Amidst the Trash
Kubik, 4ocean Jembrana Content Correspondent
On March 6, 2025, at the 4ocean Jembrana Lumber Plant, the sorting crew was hard at work processing a massive amount of collected ocean waste. Among the sacks of plastic debris, PET bottles, discarded ropes, and other pollutants, they made an astonishing discovery—something moved inside the waste pile.
To their surprise, they uncovered a baby sea turtle struggling among the plastic. It had likely been trapped in the waste before it was collected and brought to the sorting facility. Acting quickly, the team placed the tiny creature in a seawater-filled container to stabilize it. The realization set in: this baby turtle had endured an unimaginable situation but had somehow survived.
Knowing they needed to act fast, the team focused on keeping the turtle comfortable and ensuring it was hydrated. Unsure of what hatchlings eat, they offered it seaweed and small pieces of fish, hoping to provide some nourishment. Then, without delay, they set off toward the nearest beach to return the turtle to its true home—the ocean.
Upon reaching the shoreline, they gently placed the baby turtle on the sand, expecting it to instinctively rush toward the sea. But something was wrong. The little one remained completely still, its flippers tucked in, unresponsive.
A wave of concern washed over the crew—was it too weak to move? Had it endured too much? They tried gently nudging it, rubbing its shell, urging it to respond. The moment felt endless as they waited, hoping for a sign of life. Then, just as worry turned to fear, the tiny turtle suddenly twitched, then sprang to life. Without hesitation, it bolted toward the waves, disappearing into the vast ocean. Relief and joy filled the crew as they cheered in triumph.
Before its release, the team decided to give the resilient little survivor a name: Baby Henry. Against all odds, he had survived and fought his way back to freedom. The crew watched as he swam into the horizon, hoping that he would grow into a strong sea turtle, free in the ocean where he belonged.
This experience served as a profound reminder of the impact plastic pollution has on marine life. "We are very happy to have saved the baby sea turtle," one team member shared. "It makes us think about how many other creatures might be trapped in plastic waste without us ever knowing. We must always be mindful and do everything we can to keep our oceans clean."
On this particular day, the 4ocean Jembrana team sorted an astounding 4,989.14 pounds of waste—a mix of plastic bags, cups, sacks, and ropes. Baby Henry’s rescue was a powerful moment, but it also underscored a harsh reality: countless marine animals face similar dangers due to ocean pollution every day.
His story is a beacon of hope, but it also serves as a call to action. Every cleanup, every plastic bottle removed, and every discarded fishing rope collected makes a difference. As the waves carried Baby Henry into the unknown, the crew was left with a renewed commitment: to keep fighting for cleaner oceans, ensuring that no more creatures suffer the fate he so narrowly escaped.
