Thien Quang Lake.
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The Hanoi Sewage and Drainage Ltd., said it has hoped the swans would become a popular attraction, but the initiative turned out to be controversial. “Several scientists believe that swans do not suit the history and culture of the Sword Lake,” an official from the public company was quoted as saying.
A group of 12 swans (7 black and 5 white) brought to the Hoan Kiem Lake on February 5. Earlier, the swans were kept behind the Ngoc Son Temple, surrounded by a net to ensure that they adapted well to the lake’s water environment.
As advised, the swan species brought into the Hoan Kiem Lake have origins in Belgium and have been domesticated to fit the living conditions in Vietnam. Before releasing this group of swans to the lake, Hanoi authorities had consulted with scientists, including Professor Nguyen Lan Dung, a biology specialist. “Putting swans in the Sword Lake is suitable. They create a nice attraction and they do not affect the environment,” Professor Nguyen Lan Dung was quoted as saying.
The Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Turtle Lake or Sword Lake, was inspired by a legend where a golden turtle god returned to reclaim a sword that had been given to a Vietnamese king. A rare giant turtle loved by many Hanoians died in the lake in January 2016.
