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Vets examine 'sacred' turtle

April 4, 2011 - 4:38PM

Handlers guide the giant turtle into a cage for a health check at Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: AFP

Vets are examining a giant softshell turtle, considered sacred by many Vietnamese, to try to determine how to treat its wounds.
Concern has mounted in recent months over the health of the animal, which is likely to be over 100 years old and is one of the last of a critically endangered species.
Tim McCormack, program co-ordinator of the Asian Turtle Program, says tests are being run today to try to pinpoint what is ailing the creature.
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The rare giant turtle, with an open wound on its neck, swims in Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Photo: AP

Only four of the creatures, which have shells the size of a desk, are known to exist anywhere in the world.
It took 50 workers two hours yesterday to net the turtle in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake, put it in a cage and pull it to a small island.
The lake was recently expanded and equipped with a small pond.
It is the first time anyone has captured the creature, which escaped through two nets during a similar rescue attempt last month.
Many Vietnamese believe that it is a mythical creature.
Legend has it that the turtle is the guardian of a magical sword once used in the 15th century to drive out Chinese invaders.
AP, AFP



Vets examine 'sacred' turtle