Meller's Chameleon (chamaeleo melleri) Meller's Chameleons are extremely difficult to take care of in captivity. Even though it is true that some people have kept Meller's Chameleons successfully, the vast majority do not. Most Meller's Chameleons die off mysteriously in only a couple of weeks after importation. The most likely answer is stress. Large adult chameleons, of almost any species, tend to have heavy parasite loads, and this, combined with the stress of importation, takes a heavy toll on their bodies. Meller's Chameleons, however, seem to be more succeptible to these problems than other species. We have heard, but have yet to experience, that small juveniles tend to fair much better in captivity than adults. Few people attempt to breed Meller's Chameleons in captivity. Once collector told us that his females would become egg-bound and die after matings, but the eggs were removed and successfully hatched. We hope to try and attempt a captive-breeding program with this marvelous species, but are constantly disuaded by stories of other peoples' failures and troubles.