Sword lake turtle free in good health
VGP – The captured turtle in Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) lake, Hà Nội was released on July 13 after 100-day treatment for skin lesions, according to PhD. Lê Xuân Rao, the Deputy Head of the emergency committee on saving the turtle.
July 13, 2011 5:07 PM GMT+7
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The turtle is estimated to be about 100 years old and weighs about 200 kilograms. It is believed to be one of the only four known Rafetus swinhoei species alive today.
According to the myth, the turtle's legendary status dates back to 15th-century, King Lê Lợi, the founder of the Lý Dynasty found a holy turtle during a cruise on the then Lục Thủy, or green lake.
Turtles are a cultural symbol in Việt Nam, especially the one in Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
By Khánh Phương
