A RESCUED chameleon has been given a new lease of life after being adopted by keepers at the Blue Planet Aquarium.
The veiled chameleon was rescued by staff after being found in a terrible state of health with an infected tail.
The reptile, which has been named Kodak due to her bright colouring, had been put into a display with an adult while she was still a baby by her owners.
Blue Planet Terrestrial Biologist, Adam Mitchell, who rescued Kodak, said: “The owners didn’t realise how territorial and aggressive adult chameleons can be.
“Unfortunately Kodak was attacked and suffered serious injuries to her tail. She was also underweight and generally in a very poor physical condition.
“Sadly, by the time I got to see her Kodak’s tail was so badly infected that it had to be amputated.
“However, after a few days getting used to her tailless condition, a good diet and plenty of love and attention, she has made a remarkable recovery from being a depressed-looking scrap to a healthy, colourful young female,” he added.
Native to Yemen and south Saudi Arabia, the veiled chameleon has eyes that move independently and can swivel almost 180 degrees as well as a gripping prehensile tail.
Their tongues are up to 1.5 times as long as their bodies and used to catch insects. They change colour both for camouflage and to attract a mate.
Chameleons come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from a tiny 1.5cms long species found in Malawi to the giant Parson’s chameleon which can reach lengths in excess of 60cms.
