In Pictures: Vietnam's 'sacred' turtle

Courtesy: Bangkok Post

HANOI - VETERINARIANS on Monday examined a giant turtle considered sacred by many Vietnamese to try to determine how to treat its wounds, a day after it was captured in a central Hanoi lake.
Tests were being run to try to pinpoint what's ailing the creature that has a shell the size of a desk, said Tim McCormack, program coordinator of the Asian Turtle Program. Only four of the freshwater species are believed to be living worldwide.
He said photos taken of it in a holding tank showed injuries on its legs and elsewhere, but it was not yet clear how serious they are. The animal is believed to be about 80 to 100 years old, which could mean it will require longer treatment. However, many Vietnamese believe it is the same mythical creature said to have helped King Le Loi fend off the Chinese nearly six centuries ago.
It took 50 workers two hours Sunday to net the turtle, put it in a cage and pull it to a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake that was recently expanded and equipped with the small holding tank, known as the 'turtle hospital.' It is the first time anyone has captured the creature, which escaped through two nets during a similar rescue attempt last month.