Social networks are spreading information about a turtle-like individual appearing at Hoan Kiem Lake, attracting the attention of many people.
On July 24, many social media accounts shared images and videos recording the scene of an individual believed to be a turtle floating on the surface of Hoan Kiem Lake. The information quickly attracted attention because this was the rare time a turtle-like creature appeared at the lake, associated with the image of the Turtle Grandpa in legend.
Previously, the last time the Turtle was recorded to have surfaced alive was from about 10 am to more than 12 pm on December 21, 2015 in the area opposite Le Thai To street. According to researchers, this individual floated on the water surface for more than 2 hours. In the afternoon of January 19, 2016, people discovered that the Turtle had died in the area opposite the headquarters of Hanoi Moi Newspaper.
Talking to a reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Van Duc Linh - Deputy Head of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board said that at about 2 pm on July 23, management forces recorded an individual floating in the area near Thuy Ta restaurant, then swimming about 2 m along the shore and then towards the middle of the lake.
According to Mr. Linh's initial assessment, it is not yet possible to accurately determine whether this is a turtle, soft-shell turtle or an elephant because there is no conclusion from experts.
For many years, Hoan Kiem Lake has no longer recorded large turtle individuals living. Therefore, it is likely that this is a turtle or a higher turtle. If it is a turtle, the head and nose will be sharper," Mr. Linh said.
Mr. Linh also said that it is likely that this is an individual released into the lake by people. This is considered an alien creature because Hoan Kiem Lake has long no longer been operating to raise and release aquatic species.
According to the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, the unit regularly coordinates with the ward police force to propagate and mobilize people not to release aquatic animals into the lake. In case people are found bringing shrimp, crabs, fish or aquatic species to release, functional forces will guide them to the Red River area to release in order to protect the Hoan Kiem Lake ecosystem.
To accurately determine whether the individual appearing in the lake is a turtle, a soft-shell turtle or an elephant, it is necessary to have an assessment by experts," said Mr. Van Duc Linh.
