Kien Giang: 12 sea turtles returned to nature hinh anh 1The rare turtles are released back into the ocean (Photo: VNA)
 
Kien Giang (VNA) – As many as 12 turtles were released back into the ocean in Phu Quoc island district of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on October 26.

The rare raptiles were previously raised among local households in Bai Thom commune of Phu Quoc for years. 

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s decision on aquatic resources protection and development by 2020, the steering board on aquatic resources protection in Phu Quoc and relevant agencies have discovered and encouraged the locals to voluntarily set the animals free.

Since the beginning of this year, the district has released nearly 40 turtles into the sea, including those weighing over 50kg. 

Earlier this month, in the central coastal province of Quang Binh, a rare turtle was found and released back into the ocean by locals on Bao Ninh beach, Dong Hoi city.
 
A group of workers at a construction site near Bao Ninh beach on the same day found the turtle that became stuck on shore. It weighs nearly 15kg and measures 70cm in length and more than 50cm in width.
 
The turtle, scientifically known as Lepidochelys olivacea, is included on the red book of threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, indicating that it is an endangered species.

Vietnamese laws prohibit the hunting, trading, transporting, storing, and killing of wild animals. –VNA
VNA