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Vietnam rescue effort for revered turtle
2011-03-08 14:14
HANOI, Tuesday 8 March 2011 (AFP)
- Rescuers in Vietnam on Tuesday began efforts to capture and treat an
ailing giant turtle revered as a symbol of the country's centuries-old
struggle for independence.
Crowds gathered on the shores of Hanoi's polluted Hoan Kiem Lake as
divers and experts in small boats slowly tried to move the turtle, which
weighs about 200 kilograms (440 pounds), to a nearby islet for
treatment using a net.
Local media reported that the turtle has been injured by fish hooks
and small red-eared turtles which have appeared in the lake in recent
years.
"It is very precious for Vietnamese," said Dang Giao Huan, 66, a
retired soldier who saw the wounds on the animal's soft shell when it
surfaced a few days ago.
"The turtle is the holy spirit of the nation... I think it's necessary to give it some treatment."
Official media say the turtle is one of only four of its kind in the world.
But its status in Vietnam stems from the history of the animal and
its home in Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), rather than its
rarity.
In a story that is taught to all Vietnamese school children, the 15th
century rebel leader Le Loi used a magical sword to drive out Chinese
invaders and founded the dynasty named after him.
Le Loi later became emperor and one day went boating on the lake. A
turtle appeared, took his sacred sword and dived to the bottom, keeping
the weapon safe for the next time Vietnam may have to defend its
freedom, the story says.
Official media said the turtle could be up to 300 years old and is possibly the last of its kind in the lake.
Sightings of the turtle are deemed auspicious especially when they coincide with major national events.
The turtle surfaced only rarely but has been seen more often in recent weeks as concern mounted over its health.
MySinchew 2011.03.08
2011-03-08 14:14
HANOI, Tuesday 8 March 2011 (AFP)
- Rescuers in Vietnam on Tuesday began efforts to capture and treat an
ailing giant turtle revered as a symbol of the country's centuries-old
struggle for independence.
Crowds gathered on the shores of Hanoi's polluted Hoan Kiem Lake as
divers and experts in small boats slowly tried to move the turtle, which
weighs about 200 kilograms (440 pounds), to a nearby islet for
treatment using a net.
Local media reported that the turtle has been injured by fish hooks
and small red-eared turtles which have appeared in the lake in recent
years.
"It is very precious for Vietnamese," said Dang Giao Huan, 66, a
retired soldier who saw the wounds on the animal's soft shell when it
surfaced a few days ago.
"The turtle is the holy spirit of the nation... I think it's necessary to give it some treatment."
Official media say the turtle is one of only four of its kind in the world.
But its status in Vietnam stems from the history of the animal and
its home in Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), rather than its
rarity.
In a story that is taught to all Vietnamese school children, the 15th
century rebel leader Le Loi used a magical sword to drive out Chinese
invaders and founded the dynasty named after him.
Le Loi later became emperor and one day went boating on the lake. A
turtle appeared, took his sacred sword and dived to the bottom, keeping
the weapon safe for the next time Vietnam may have to defend its
freedom, the story says.
Official media said the turtle could be up to 300 years old and is possibly the last of its kind in the lake.
Sightings of the turtle are deemed auspicious especially when they coincide with major national events.
The turtle surfaced only rarely but has been seen more often in recent weeks as concern mounted over its health.
MySinchew 2011.03.08