Some of the most famous characters on the show include Big Bird, Cookie Monster,Oscar the Grouch, and Bert and Ernie.

VOA: special.2009.11.27

Nearly 7, 000 have signed the petition, with more than 3, 000 joining a Bert and Ernie Get Married Facebook page.

BBC: Sesame Street pair Bert and Ernie 'will not marry'

The turtles, who have been named Bert and Ernie, were cleaned and fed and are now being kept under observation.

BBC: Abandoned turtles Bert and Ernie

"Bert and Ernie are best friends, " the statement from Sesame Workshop added.

BBC: Sesame Street pair Bert and Ernie 'will not marry'