On South Padre Island in the American state of Texas, nearly 5000 sea turtles were recently rescued from icy cold conditions.

Herculean members of the South Padre Island community worked together to move the sea turtles to a local convention center to prevent them from drowning.

The leader of Sea Turtle Inc called the effort Herculean.

Herculean describes something that requires great strength or effort.

The word comes from the Roman name for the Greek god Hercules, who was known for his strength, bravery and intelligence.