Become a Garden Route Hero and Help SPCA Save Chameleons!
George SPCA is urging community members to help save the chameleons and other little critters that may still be trapped in fallen trees, following the storms. Garden Route, South... The post Become a Garden Route Hero and Help SPCA Save Chameleons! appeared first on Good Things Guy.
Black News 
George SPCA is urging community members to help save the chameleons and other little critters that may still be trapped in fallen trees, following the storms.
Garden Route, South Africa (18 May 2026) – The storms that recently hit the Garden Route have sadly left hundreds of trees uprooted in and around George. The municipality and community are working together to clear up the aftermath.
Before lending a helping hand, the SPCA wants the public to be aware and keep an eye out for the small critters that may be hiding out in the storm debris – before it is chucked, chipped or burned.
“As the clean-up continues across George, countless chameleons are at risk of being crushed, chipped, burned or left exposed in piles of branches and storm debris,” says the SPCA.
At night, chameleons glow under UV, and it’s one of the only reliable ways to spot them in time.
The SPCA is urgently calling for donations of UV lights that can help them spot the chameleons trapped in the debris. If you have a spare torch at home, your donation could help shine a much-needed light. Contact the Garden Route SPCA (details below), and they’ll put it to work!
“At night, UV lights help us spot chameleons hidden amongst the debris as their bodies glow under the light. Without these lights, many of them will never be seen in time.”
If you find a chameleon that has been displaced in the storm debris, the SPCA advises to pop it into its own separate box (one per box, to keep stress and injuries down) and bring it to their centre for care.
It’s worth keeping a lookout for other creatures, too. Birds, lizards, frogs and lots of small wild animals will have lost shelter in the storm and may be trapped, injured, or just too cold or frightened to move.
“We are asking the public to please keep an eye out for chameleons, birds, and other small creatures who may be trapped, injured, cold, or hiding amongst the branches. A single pile of debris could be hiding a life.” the SPCA adds.
A simple act of compassion can earn you a hero badge and keep the critters safe.
“Thank you to George Municipality for all the hard work being done throughout our community and thank you to every person taking a moment to help protect the vulnerable animals affected during this time.”
Found an animal that needs help? Call the Garden Route SPCA on 044 878 1990 or for after hours emergencies, contact 082 378 7384.
Sources: Linked above.
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The post Become a Garden Route Hero and Help SPCA Save Chameleons! appeared first on Good Things Guy.
