Little Chameleon for sale

This poor poor little chameleon is for sale at the market in Marrakech (Morocco) for around €3.
This beautifull creature will probably die soon :( Chameleons are difficult to keep and for this price it will probably be treated more like a disposable toy. Buying food for it is more expensive then buying a new one...

comments (5)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Thanks for sharing this painful story. Recently on a TV show a wildlife film maker faced the same dilemma: buying an animal from a local to save it from abuse or not buying it as a sign of protest. Either way the wildlife is screwed: if you buy it, it encourages the people to sell more, if you don't buy it, somebody else will. Only education and alternative income sources can solve this.

On a personal note: I have a similar feeling when visiting zoo-like parks where animals are caged. I enjoy watching and learning nature in this convenient way tremendously but there's a strong part of me feeling sorry for the animals, for leading such a restrictive life. Despite my devotion to wildlife and nature, I'm also a hypocrit, in a way we all are I think. Posted 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Joost, what sad story you're telling us of, I didn't know these chameleons were common enough to sell for easy money. A crime indeed, and no longlivity for them, a non-desirable ending...
Besides the story your photo is magnificent. Indeed homgepage material. Quite a composition, yet i almost feel ashamed telling it so disheartingly, distanciating from the true subject.

Ferdy, right you are, I just felt the same for some of the animals at Oliemeulen, treated well but still imprisoned, especially the larger species. I feel a bit less for reptiles, strange as it may be, it's also part of the evolutionary ladder as cold blooded beings are at the bottom as we are on top.

Anyways, really thanks for sharing this. It has thought me to stay sharp again, be mindful of things common to us but maybe not so natural. Posted 13 years ago, modified 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

The more I see this photo, the more I ilke it. Such sadness in those eyes turned away. Shame such a sad story is attached to it. Posted 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Melancholy. Utter sadness. Ok this is my last comment, or your comment inbox will overflow;) Posted 13 years ago

Joost Thissen

Lion

@Ferdy With these Cameleons (there was a bucket with about 20 of them in it) I did not had an urge to buy them and release it. It was more the showing of utter disrespect for such a beautifull animal which made me angry and sad together.
I had the urge to release the animal very strong with the falcons which where for sale too (€20 full grown). Only the realization that another falcon would be caught instead kept me from buying and releasing one.
(I am still wondering why anyone would want to have a falcon as pet.)

When we see animals in captivity we always project our own human feelings on the animal and that is not how the animal actually feels. Usually when animals are not happy they will stop eating and will look more shabby. Most animals I see in the zoo look healthy instead. Maybe the animals care less about the cage and are satified with the abundance of food. Posted 13 years ago, modified 13 years ago