Captivity

Watching any pet die hurts, but chameleons have special tortures for those who care for them. Usually they refuse food and eventually water. Week by week they waste away, eyes sinking into their skulls and a gray colour dulling their skin.

Once the decline starts, even experts have trouble reversing the trend. Usually, the deterioration starts before the animal arrives in its owner's care.

Considering the ill treatment they receive at the hands of hunters, distributors, shippers and pet store employees, it's amazing any survive.