HANOI: Associate Professor Dr Ha Dinh Duc, the renowned biologist who spent years studying the last Hoan Kiem turtle, has died at the age of 86.
According to his family, he passed away peacefully at 4:45am on August 7.
In a message posted on social media, his son, Ha Dinh Long, wrote: "My father passed away peacefully beside his loved ones at 4:45 this morning, August 7. He lived a simple yet meaningful life."
Born in 1940 in what is now Xuan Hong Commune, Thanh Hoa Province, Duc was among the first students of the Biology Faculty at the former Hanoi General University, now the VNU University of Science. After graduating, he remained at the university as a lecturer and researcher until his retirement in 2005.
During more than four decades of scientific work, he participated in numerous research projects on zoology and biodiversity, collaborating with both Vietnamese and international scientists to study rare species, including the kouprey (Bos sauveli) and various primates in Vietnam. His work helped strengthen the scientific foundation for wildlife conservation in the country.
However, he was best known for his lifelong dedication to studying the Hoan Kiem turtle, a journey that began in 1991 after he unexpectedly spotted a giant turtle surfacing in Hoan Kiem Lake while walking along Hang Khay Street.
Over the following decades, he painstakingly observed, photographed and documented the turtle's behaviour, habitat and history. His research produced valuable scientific data on the critically endangered species while raising public awareness of the need to protect it.
Beyond his scientific research, the scientist was an outspoken advocate for the protection of Hoan Kiem Lake's ecosystem. He repeatedly warned of threats posed by water pollution, habitat degradation and rapid urbanisation.
He completed six state-level research projects on Hoan Kiem Lake, published hundreds of articles on the lake's turtle and built an extensive archive containing thousands of photographs of the iconic animal. For many years, he was the leading authority sought by both domestic and international media whenever the legendary Hoan Kiem turtle was in the spotlight.
Deeply committed to preserving Hanoi's cultural and historical heritage, Duc also proposed a number of initiatives to safeguard the capital's historic landmarks and promote public appreciation of Thang Long-Hanoi's rich legacy.
In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Teacher in 2010 and was named one of Hanoi's Outstanding Citizens in 2012.
Duc and a team of scientists were honoured with the Work – For the Love of Hanoi award under the Bui Xuan Phai – For the Love of Hanoi Awards, in recognition of their timely, scientifically grounded and effective efforts to rescue and care for the Hoan Kiem turtle, regarded as the capital's "living sacred symbol".
He was also recognised by the Vietnam Records Organisation for authoring the largest number of research works and articles on the Hoan Kiem turtle. — VNS/ANN
