almost a living cryptid, the giant turtle .

3 April 2011  Vietnam hauls in beloved turtle for medical treatment

An ailing giant turtle revered as a symbol of Vietnam's independence has been captured for medical treatment.Thousands of people crowded around a lake in the capital Hanoi as about 50 rescuers swam and used boats to pull nets around it.The turtle, which is believed to be more than 100 years old, has open sores on its neck and legs. Its plight has made headlines in Vietnam for several months but it evaded earlier rescue attempts. It is feared that rubbish and pollution in Lake Hoan Kiem may have caused its wounds.Another theory is that the sacred reptile, which weighs about 200kg (440 pounds), has been injured by fishermen's hooks and other smaller turtles over the course of several years.

Read rest see pics here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12952474

Almost a living cryptid and its age makes you think how long could a large aquatic cryptid live......over a 100 years maybe?