Hà Đình Đức: key obituary facts
Is Hà Đình Đức dead? Yes. Hà Đình Đức died on August 7, 2026, at age 86.
Cause of death: Hà Đình Đức's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Hà Đình Đức known for?
He was a Vietnamese biologist.
More about Hà Đình Đức
Born: 23 March 1940.
Place of birth: Thọ Xuân.
Gender: male.
Occupation: biologist.
Nationality: Vietnam.
Education: Vietnam National University.
Also known as: Ha Dinh Duc.
Known for: Hoan Kiem turtle, conservation.
Hà Đình Đức, a Vietnamese biologist known for his work on the Hoan Kiem turtle, died on August 7, 2026, aged 86.
Born on March 23, 1940, in Thọ Xuân District in Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam, he studied at Vietnam National University and became identified with research and conservation debate over the lake turtle. Đức classified the animal under the name Rafetus leloii and argued that it was distinct from the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, a view not shared by many other biologists.
He also clashed with conservationists and officials over whether the turtle should remain in Hoan Kiem Lake or be removed to reduce pressure from other invasive species in the lake.