Vienna, Austria - May 7, 2024

On May 9th, the first International Chameleon Day, initiated by "Wildlife Madagascar," will be celebrated worldwide. This day aims to honor the fascinating reptiles and promote their conservation efforts. At Vienna Zoo, an exclusive crafting and information corner will be set up in the ORANG.erie to mark the occasion. From decorating chameleon masks to creating chameleon badges, children will have endless creative opportunities. Additionally, visitors can expect to learn fascinating facts about chameleons.

Globally, there are over 200 species of chameleons, with one-third of them facing threats. Habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal trade pose significant risks to these creatures. Chameleons are frequently captured illegally and smuggled to Europe or America, where they are sold unlawfully. The Vienna Airport's customs regularly intercept smuggled animals, which are then brought to Vienna Zoo for care. All nine chameleon species in the zoo originate from such confiscations.