Rango and friends add a little colour to reptile display

YOU don’t have to look too hard to see another cute addition to a Far Northern wildlife attraction.

Cairns Tropical Zoo is preparing four veiled chameleons for its reptile display, fresh from a Taronga Zoo captive breeding program.

Each of the adorable lizards has been given a fitting chameleon name: Rango, Chamilla, Pascal and Karma.

The chameleons, which are native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, are normally a shade of green or brown while at rest, but can change colour when frightened, courting or defending territory.

Zoo reptile coordinator Kristy Jensen said the zoo was still constructing the animals’ enclosure.

“Hopefully in the next few weeks we will have them out on display,’’ she said.

Built for a life in the trees, the animals have feet that can easily grasp branches.

Their eyes can rotate independently and look in two directions at once, and their tongues can project 1.5 times their body length to capture prey.

She said chameleons were not difficult to care for, compared to other zoo animals.

“It’s making sure they have enough moisture and humidity, and also ventilation and food.

“But these guys are doing fantastic.

“When we got them, they were tiny, and they’re now getting quite large.”

Picture: STEWART McLEAN LOOKING UP: Rango is one of four chameleons who have made their new home at Cairns Tropical Zoo and will be put on display to the public in the near future.