More severe injuries were discovered on the legendary turtle’s legs, neck, and shell when it surfaced this morning for a breath of fresh air from polluted water in the famous Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake in Hanoi.
The age-old creature is currently a hot topic after Hanoi government set up a special committee to care for the animal’s wounds – sustained from fish hooks and pollution-related problems.
Some photos from Tuoi Tre show the old turtle trying to take a breath surrounded by thick mud-like water and rubbish floating around on the iconic lake.
According to a decision by the Hanoi conference last week, the turtle, believed to be hundreds of years old, will be treated on a small tower in the middle of the lake and an underwater tank containing turtle-friendly environment will be built to house it.
It seems to be the second time the ancient turtle has rested its leg on the lakeshore since Tet
These wounds show that the turtle’s health is getting worse
Its shell suffers from cracks and fractures
After 30 minutes floating, the turtle headed toward the Ngoc Son Temple
Hundreds of curiosity seekers show compassion for the legendary turtle after witnessing its injuries
Since March 4, authorities have been carrying out steps to save the creature.
The underwater tank containing turtle-friendly environment is set to be completed today.
The creature is expected to be lured down and stay there during its recuperation period.
Local authorities and experts are implementing measures to cure the turtle’s injuries as well as to prevent water pollution in the lake.
The local government has instructed the Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company to dredge up the mud and rubbish in the lake, meant to create a favorable habitat for the animal.
Meanwhile, the Hanoi’s Department of Science and Technology is considering planting more traps to catch the harmful red-ear turtles living in Hoan Kiem Lake with an eye to preventing them from damaging the legendary turtle.
