Controversy over turtle release into iconic lake

A recent video of a young woman releasing two turtles into Hoan Kiem Lake has gone viral, drawing widespread attention and controversy on social media.

In the video, the woman can be seen releasing two turtles of unfamiliar species into the iconic lake. A friend of hers explained that the turtles had been caught from the Red River by another person, and the woman purchased them for 4.6 million VND each (about $200), totaling nearly 10 million VND (approximately $425), before deciding to set them free.

Her friend also insisted that the turtles had to be released specifically into Hoan Kiem Lake rather than elsewhere to avoid being caught again.

The video has sparked heated debates among netizens, garnering thousands of views and numerous comments. Some praised her intention, while others questioned the appropriateness of the action:

“Releasing turtles is a meritorious deed.”

“These are land turtles, they can't survive underwater.”

“These turtles live in semi-flooded areas, not fully aquatic environments like Hoan Kiem Lake. They may not die immediately, but they need places to sunbathe and nest.”

Expert advice: Unfamiliar species should not be released

Speaking to VietNamNet, Ass. Prof. Ha Dinh Duc - a renowned turtle scholar - strongly condemned the practice of releasing unfamiliar species into Hoan Kiem Lake.

“This species of turtle cannot survive in Hoan Kiem Lake. Releasing them here could threaten their survival and negatively impact the lake’s ecosystem,” he stated.

Based on initial observations, Ha Dinh Duc identified the turtles as land turtles from southern Vietnam, which are unsuitable for the aquatic environment of Hoan Kiem Lake. Further research would be needed to accurately determine their species and assess their ability to adapt to the lake’s conditions.

“There should be strict regulations prohibiting the release of unfamiliar species into Hoan Kiem Lake,” Ass. Prof. Ha Dinh Duc emphasized. “People can’t just come here and randomly dump animals into the lake without consideration for the environmental impact.”

Preserving the lake’s ecosystem

Ha Dinh Duc also urged the authorities responsible for managing Hoan Kiem Lake to increase monitoring efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“Proper oversight is necessary to prevent unauthorized releases that may disrupt the lake’s delicate ecosystem,” he said.

Hoan Kiem Lake, a cultural and historical landmark in Hanoi, is home to a unique ecosystem, including the critically endangered Rafetus swinhoei, commonly known as the Hoan Kiem turtle. Introducing foreign species could upset this balance and pose a threat to native wildlife.

Thanh Minh