Hanoi turtle weighs 169kg and is 1.6m long

>> Vietnam’s most famous turtle finally captured

>> Chasing the magic turtle

>> Hoan Kiem’s legendary turtle in trouble

The Treatment Association, which is providing medical treatment to the ailing turtle in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, has decided to transfer the giant reptile to the 15m recuperation tank since it is showing signs of good recovery after a week’s treatment for dermatitis.

“The creature’s wounds are quickly healing and it doesn’t show any sign of serious illness,” Dr Bui Quang Te, head of the Association, said.

“Health experts have agreed to its transfer to the recuperation tank, which is larger than the sanatorium.

“The animal is expected to regain his health after two or three months of rest when it can go back to Hoan Kiem Lake.”

However, he warned its health will again be at risk if polluted Lake is not cleaned up by that time.

The turtle weighs 169kg and is 1.6m long and the association will reveal its species, gender, and age next week.