Cu Rua, the giant turtle that once lived in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake, is seen surfacing from the deep. According to Vietnamese folklore, a turtle in the Hoan Kiem lake helped a Vietnamese king fend off the Chinese aggressors nearly six centuries ago.
Cu Rua, the giant turtle that once lived in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake, is seen surfacing from the deep. According to Vietnamese folklore, a turtle in the Hoan Kiem lake helped a Vietnamese king fend off the Chinese aggressors nearly six centuries ago.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Occasions when the giant turtle surfaces from its home in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake, like this on March 7, 2011, would attract attention. Pollution of the lake was one of the threats facing the shelled creature.
Occasions when the giant turtle surfaces from its home in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake, like this on March 7, 2011, would attract attention. Pollution of the lake was one of the threats facing the shelled creature.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Rescuers captured the turtle in April 2011 for three months of treatment. Concern had mounted in months leading up to that moment over its health, as lesions were seen on its body.
Rescuers captured the turtle in April 2011 for three months of treatment. Concern had mounted in months leading up to that moment over its health, as lesions were seen on its body.
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Hundreds of residents and tourists watch rescuers using boats and nets as they begin efforts to capture and treat the legendary but ailing giant turtle described as the "spirit of the nation."
Hundreds of residents and tourists watch rescuers using boats and nets as they begin efforts to capture and treat the legendary but ailing giant turtle described as the "spirit of the nation."
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A model of the turtle on display in the center of Hanoi when the city celebrated its millennium anniversary in 2010.
A model of the turtle on display in the center of Hanoi when the city celebrated its millennium anniversary in 2010.
HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/AFP/Getty Images