Researchers from the Cleveland Zoo have found a very rare giant turtle in a lake in Vietnam in December. The species was thought to be extinct in the wild until its rediscovery. This is the only known free Swinhoe Soft-Shell Turtle. It was just recently authenticated as being a true Swinhoe Turtle.
A Captive Swinhoe Soft-Shell Turtle
Locals had a legend regarding the turtle. Those who lived in the village claimed that if you laid eyes on that rare creature, then you would be blessed with good luck. The turtle is also said to have given the Vietnamese people a magic sword to protect them against Chinese invaders during the 1500’s.
The Cleveland Zoo has been doing a wonderful job on their campaign to protect Asian turtles due to their declining population (mainly a result of turtle hunting for food or traditional medicines and increased pollution). Who knows how many of these creatures have already been lost, but there is still hope, as can be seen in this find.
