After 500 years in the same pond, a rare, giant turtle has moved - whether it wanted to or not.

The 100-pound reptile was caught in south China's Hainan province by a farmer, who was given a $420 reward.Experts said the fresh-water turtle had lived in a village pond for around 500 years, the Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday. The animal was sent to a new home at the Hainan provincial museum.

The turtle - one of several endangered species living in China - should consider itself lucky. Despite a national protection system based on fines and rewards, many endangered animals suffer a worse fate.

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A report in the China Daily said Thursday that 16 restaurants in Shaoguan, in southern Guangdong province, were fined for serving protected animals. The restaurants were fined between $600 and $9,600 each.

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