Thelegendary turtle, thought to be one of the most endangered species ofturtles in the world, was spotted by divers in Hanoi on April 3afternoon.
Veterinarians carefully herded the turtle onto theisland in the lake, where the animal was caught in a net enclosurebefore receiving treatment for several wounds thought to have resultedfrom illegal fishing in the lake as well as attacks from other speciesof turtles. The turtle, which escaped a previous effort to be capturedlast month, is also suffering from pollution in the lake.
The turtle received the medical treatment in a special filtered water tank on the island.
Deputyhead of Hanoi ’s Agriculture and Rural Development Department,veterinarian Nguyen Huy Dang said veterinarians and turtle experts wouldexamine the turtle further during the next several days. The turtlewould be under constant supervision of vets.
Authorities plan toensure the turtle’s longevity by carrying out biopsies and ADNexamination before further medical treatment is considered.
Hoan Kiem Lake will also be cleaned up to welcome back the turtle after the treatment./.