Tiny Baby Chameleons Make a Big Impression on All Who Encounter Them at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia

The tiny veiled chameleon hatchlings who were recently born at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia have made a gigantic impression on all who have encountered them despite their diminutive size.

Taronga has welcomed more than 20 baby chameleons, with the last of three clutches of eggs hatching this week. About 5cm long, the hatchlings are the first born at the Zoo in over five years. Currently housed in a special temperature-controlled area behind the scenes at Taronga’s Reptile World, the hatchlings have begun feeding on crickets and turning on a bright green colour display for keepers. Reptile supervisor, Michael McFadden said the chameleons, which are native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, would be mature and able to showcase their full colour palette within a year. “Veiled Chameleons are a visually amazing species that we’re fortunate to have at Taronga. While they’re not endangered, they do play an important educational role in helping us to get people excited about reptiles and reptile conservation.

images via Taronga Zoo