Hà Đình Đức, the 'Turtle Doctor' of Hoan Kiem Lake, Remembered

Associate Professor Hà Đình Đức, who dedicated his life to the protection of the giant softshell turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake, has passed away at the age of 87. His decades of devoted work have been deeply mourned by Hanoi residents and those involved in conservation efforts. In 2011, when the Hanoi People's Committee established a council for the treatment and care of the Hoan Kiem Lake turtle, Associate Professor Đức was one of its most active members. Mr. Nguyễn Ngọc Khôi, the leader of the turtle catching and guiding team at the time, recalled that "Every day, the doctor would come to the lake and call me to let me know where the turtle appeared and what the water quality was like." Associate Professor Đức possessed deep knowledge of turtles, having researched 167 different species worldwide. Due to his profound knowledge and dedicated efforts, he became widely known as the "Turtle Doctor." He not only conducted research but also directly participated in the turtle's treatment. Whenever the turtle was spotted, Associate Professor Đức would promptly contact the working group to assist in monitoring. While capturing the turtle depended on experience and luck, he consistently shared his insights, offering valuable opinions on treatment methods, care, and capture strategies. Beyond turtle research, Associate Professor Đức repeatedly raised concerns about threats to Hoan Kiem Lake's ecosystem, including water pollution, declining environmental quality, and the impacts of urbanization. In 2011, Associate Professor Đức, along with a group of scientists and managers involved in the turtle's care and treatment, received the "Bùi Xuân Phái – For Love of Hanoi" award. His scientific legacy includes 200 articles and six national-level research projects concerning Hoan Kiem Lake. These studies have contributed significant scientific data about the Hoan Kiem turtle, helping to draw public attention to the conservation of this rare species. The memorial service for Associate Professor Hà Đình Đức was held on August 11th at a funeral home in Hanoi, followed by cremation and interment. In Vietnam's one-party system, individual dedication to community and heritage preservation often plays a crucial role. Associate Professor Đức's legacy will be remembered as a valuable asset to Vietnam's environmental protection and academic research fields.