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| A bevy of black and white Belgian swans were shifted to Thien Quang Lake, some 2km from Hoan Kiem Lake. — VNS Photo Truong Vi |
Viet Nam News
HA NOI — A bevy of black and white Belgian swans were moved out of Hoan Kiem Lake on Monday night.
The capital city adorned the lake with 12 swans, valued at almost US$1,000 each, in the morning and then shifted them to Thien Quang Lake, some 2km from Hoan Kiem Lake, at night.
According to the Ha Noi sewage and water drainage company, the swans were “not suitable with Hoan Kiem Lake’s history and culture”.
Ha Dinh Duc, an expert specialising in Hoan Kiem Lake, said swans might be kept in Hoan Kiem Lake for a few days around Tet but should not be kept there for long.
Duc told vnexpress online newspaper that Hoan Kiem Lake bears important cultural and spiritual significance, which is why one should be cautious about introducing any animal there.
According to Duc, swans often live in cold areas and cannot tolerate the heat of the summer. They need specialised care, which is complex and expensive, he said.
“Let Hoan Kiem Lake be the way it is,” Duc said. —VNS
OVietnam