A panther chameleon in Bavaria owes its life to a lucky coincidence. An irresponsible owner abandoned the animal in a cold polystyrene box at the Eichenau recycling centre. An attentive passer-by, who was taking cardboxes to the recycling centre himself, heard scratching noises and opened the lonesome box. The reptile rescue centre in Munich was informed immediately, which took in the hypothermic chameleon and is now looking after it. The animal had obviously not received any medical care recently.

It is to be hoped that the original owner can be identified and faces an appropriate penalty. In some cases, the abandonment of animals even constitutes a criminal offence – in this case, the reptile was likely to die. ‘Lucifer’, as the panther chameleon was named, was simply lucky – and will soon be hoping for a great new home with a greater sense of responsibility. Anyone interested can contact the rescue centre.

Addendum 03.03.2025: The case actually played out a little differently. The alleged finder of the abandoned panther chameleon has since turned out to be the original owner of the animal. A report has been filed.

Photos: The animal found, photographed by and at the reptile rescue centre, Munich