Shropshire Star

Colourful character found on Telford street

This eye-catching chameleon was found in a Telford street by a passer-by.

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The man was walking past Tafs timber supplier in Gower Street, St Georges, when he saw the reptile.

At first he thought it was a toy, but when he saw it was real he carefully picked it up, wrapped it in his fleece and took it to St Georges Veterinary Centre.

Tammy Fallon, a veterinary nurse at the practice, said that they were used to having stray animals brought in, but not reptiles.

She said: "At first I thought he might be holding a pigeon in his fleece, but it was a surprise to see it was a chameleon.

"The man handled the reptile carefully and was worried it might bite, but they are gentle creatures, especially when they are cold.

"The reptiles need to be kept warm in a vivarium and outside of that home they are very docile.

"We don't see many reptiles at the practice, they are rarer than more normal pets and when well looked after they rarely need to go to the vets."

The chameleon, a female, will be passed over to Telford Exotic Zoo, where it will be cared for until the owner can be traced.

The first thing the veterinary staff did was check for a microchip, but none was found.

Tammy, 43, said that about three months ago a man had called them saying he had lost a chameleon.

She said: "Given the rarity of these reptiles this could be that missing chameleon, but unfortunately we do not have the contact details for the man.

"We are hoping that the man sees the story in the Shropshire Star and contacts us."

St Georges Veterinary Centre can be contacted on (01952) 610500.

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