Vietnamese scientists are collaborating with German experts to start the preservation by plasticisation of the Hoan Kiem Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei).

Hoan Kiem turtle was photographed in July, 2015 Photo by: Nguyen Tai Thang - ATP


Necropsy and preservation of the Hoan Kiem Turtle started today, the 21st of April 2016.  According to Dr. Phan Ke Long, Director of Vietnam natural museum, the process would take between one and one and a half years to complete as the body of the turtle is large. The German experts reported that the turtles remains were not in good condition and that some of the organs had already decayed. The Asian Turtle Conservation Program participated in preserving tissue specimens from the turtle for future research.  They also said that cloning the turtle is now impossible since the tissue samples did not meet the required standards.

The Hoan Kiem lake turtle’s body is being treated by applying plasticisation method, a modern approach in which water and fats within a specimen are replaced by certain plastics. The Hoan Kiem lake turtle was found dead on the 19th January was estimated to be 200 years old thus the reason for his death might be age.

ATP NOTE: although the turtle was very old and could easily be over 100 years old the exact age remains unknown.

DATE: 21st April 2016

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