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