This tail-over-shoulder fetal position may look uncomfortable, but not for this seconds-old baby panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), who hasn’t yet realized that his egg is no longer there.
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Nick Henn, from the pet shop Canvas Chameleon in Reading, Pennsylvania, explained that this newly-born baby chameleon had to be helped out of his egg after failing to ‘pip’ correctly.
‘Pipping’ occurs when reptiles or birds use their teeth to break out of their shells. Usually, chameleons pip at the end of their egg shells, where their head is.
“If the egg pips on the side for some reason it can be difficult for the little one to push out, as their head isn’t near the hole. I’ve actually had them push out other parts of their bodies like their yoke sac which ultimately ends up taking their life,” said Henn.
Henn added: “This isn’t to say that he wouldn’t have found a way out, but based off my past experiences with situations just like this, I felt it was necessary to play Mother Nature and give him a helping hand.”
Shortly after the photos were taken, the chameleon uncurled itself. He is now safe and enjoying the company of his other siblings.
For more info about these amazing creatures, visit the official Canvas Chameleons website and Facebook page.