This footage was filmed and produced 6 February 2024.

As the world faces a growing biodiversity crisis, Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria, has reason to celebrate. Four tiny Vosseler two-horned chameleons have hatched at the zoo, offering hope for the preservation of a critically endangered species. With over a quarter of all animal and plant species threatened by habitat loss, the zoo has joined forces with other organizations to participate in the global “Reverse the Red” initiative. The campaign aims to counteract the extinction of species by promoting strategic cooperation and maintaining stable, healthy populations.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List, more and more species are being classified as high-risk and endangered. Habitat loss, mostly due to human influence, is the primary driver of this trend, making initiatives like “Reverse the Red” imperative. Through the project, teams of experts record the current status of species under threat while developing strategies for their long-term preservation.

The Vosseler two-horned chameleons, native to eastern Africa, are now critically endangered due to habitat destruction. The males of this chameleon species have conspicuous horns that could easily be mistaken for an oversized nose. Illegal capture and trafficking of these chameleons further adds to their precarious situation. Fortunately, the parents of the newly hatched chameleons were confiscated at Vienna Airport in 2021, and the zoo has since come to their rescue.

Schonbrunn Zoo's success in breeding these chameleons provides a glimpse of hope for the survival of species threatened by extinction. The zoo's involvement in the “Reverse the Red” campaign is a practical and proactive approach that other organizations could follow. Anyone can take part in the campaign by making even small contributions towards wildlife conservation efforts. By working together, humanity can help to preserve some of the Earth's most precious species and their habitats.