Veterinary experts in Vietnam are trying to save a sick giant turtle widely regarded as a national treasure, the BBC reports.
The giant reptile, considered a symbol of the country's struggle for independence, has recently been spotted with open sores on its legs and neck.
The attempt to treat the animal is made more urgent as it is one of the world's most endangered turtle species. It is thought to be one of only four left in the world. One inhabits another Vietnamese lake and two others are in a Chinese zoo.
The revered status of the turtles dates back to the mid-15th century and the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To (King Le Loi) who defeated an invading Chinese army with a magical sword reputedly given to him by the gods.
The day after his victory legend has it that at a lake in Hanoi he came upon a giant golden turtle swimming on the surface while boating on its waters. The creature snatched the sword and swam off into the depths, restoring it to its divine owners.
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