Vietnam Mourns The Death Of Revered Hanoi Turtle
Vietnam is mourning an ancient turtle that had been revered as a symbol of auspiciousness and whose death has shocked the country. The giant turtle, known as Cu Rua (Great Grandfather), was venerated as a symbol of Vietnam’s independence and there are fears that his death bodes ill for the forthcoming communist leadership handover. Believed to be one of only four still living, the reptile best known as a Yangtze giant softshell turtle was found floating in the Hanoi lake where he lived. The cause of death is unclear.