VietNamNet Bridge – Hoan Kiem Lake's giant turtle will be removed for treatment for injuries believed to have been caused by fish hooks, pollution and attacks by other species of turtles.

The decision was made yesterday, Feb 15, in Ha Noi at an international conference of scientists and advisors concerned with the protection of the turtle, which has been given status in legend.

The meeting heard that the critically endangered Swinhoe soft-shell turtle had suffered serious injuries and needed treatment.

Ha Noi aquatic expert Nguyen Ngoc Khoi said a smaller species of red-eared turtles which had invaded the lake were suspected to have bitten the turtle's wounds, while Phan Thi Van from the Centre for Environment and Aquatic Diseases Research said the injuries could have been caused by parasites and viruses.

Professor Ha Dinh Duc said photos of the turtle showed it had sustained several wounds on its shell and neck.

The fact that the turtle was floating more than normal could be a sign of bad health or injuries, Duc said.

Only three of about five of the turtles believe to be in existence were in captivity, experts said. One was in Hoan Kiem Lake and two were in Chinese zoos.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News