Chameleon gets year in rehab

A YOUNG flap neck chameleon (Chamaeleodilepis) who developed a metabolic bone disease has been sent to rehab for a year where he will dine of a diet of crickets and mealworms till he is strong enough to be released. Pascal, as he has since been christened, was taken to a rehabilitation centre at Dangerous Creatures at uShaka Village Walk by a concerned person.

According to senior herpetologist at uShaka, Carl Schloms, chameleons don’t normally thrive in human care and Pascal was no different, and developed metabolic bone disease (MDB).”MDB is a disorder of bone strength usually caused by deficiencies of certain minerals and vitamins. This chameleon developed MDB through being fed an incorrect diet. Although he is able to walk about and eat normally, his bone structure is weak and slightly malformed. It is estimated that his convalescence period will last approximately one year,” he said.

Schloms, is confident that with the correct diet, veterinary care and enough sunshine, Pascal will make a full recovery. “Unfortunately populations of these precious chameleons have diminished in recent years, primarily due to habitat destruction. My team and I will do everything we can to care for young Pascal until he is strong enough to be released,” said Schloms.

Pascal earned his fitting name as he resembles the chameleon in the animated movie, Tangled.

“He has been put on a diet of crickets and mealworms and spends his days in an outside aviary which we spray with a fine mist, ”added Schloms.

If all goes well over the next couple of months, Schloms will start planning Pascal’s release into a nature reserve somewhere in the Hillcrest area where he was originally found.