Hà Đình Đức: Hanoi's legendary turtle guardian dies at 86, legacy lives on

Hanoi lost a dedicated conservationist on August 7, 2026, when zoologist Hà Đình Đức passed away at age 86. Best known as the longtime guardian of the legendary giant softshell turtle in Hồ Gươm, Đức devoted more than 25 years to documenting, protecting, and advocating for the animal that became central to the city’s identity.

His connection to the turtle began in 1991, when he happened to be walking past the historic lake in central Hanoi. As he watched, the turtle surfaced—an event he immediately recorded and later marked on his calendar. Though trained as a zoologist, Đức said the encounter formed an unbreakable bond, redirecting his life’s work. He began photographing the animal, tracking sightings, and raising public awareness of its fragile existence.

Locals came to call him “Professor Turtle” or “Đức Rùa” (Turtle Đức), reflecting both his expertise and his lifelong dedication. At the time, little was known about this rare freshwater giant, one of the last of its kind in Vietnam. Yet Đức saw it not just as a scientific subject but as the embodiment of Hồ Gươm’s soul—a living link to the 15th-century legend in which Emperor Lê Lợi returned a magical sword to a golden turtle, giving the lake its name: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, the Lake of the Returned Sword.

Beyond studying the turtle, Đức traveled across Vietnam searching for possible relatives. He hoped that by finding other giant softshell turtles, he could preserve the cultural and biological legacy it represented. His advocacy also brought him into frequent dialogue with Hanoi officials, especially over development plans near the lake. He insisted that environmental and biological impact assessments include protection for the turtle, warning that dredging, construction, or pollution could threaten its survival.

The turtle’s declining health became a public concern in 2011 when lesions were discovered. Authorities captured the animal for treatment, and Đức visited the site almost daily during its care. Despite those efforts, the iconic turtle died in 2016 at an estimated age of over 100 years.

Even after its loss, Đức continued to speak out for Hồ Gươm’s ecosystem. He warned against unchecked development and kept searching for other giant softshell turtles elsewhere in the country. His final years remained focused on conservation, education, and the preservation of both natural and cultural heritage.

Hà Đình Đức is survived by his family in Hanoi. His legacy endures in the ongoing efforts to protect Hồ Gươm and its storied past.

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