Hello from Sarah and Timu!

[Yaavuy]

Hello everyone!

My name is Sarah, and I am here in Cameroon with my dear sweet friend Timu.

He was caught and given to me 4 months ago, and throughout this time, he and I have become very close, such that we can now walk anywhere, through town, through the forest, around the house, and he'll very happily perch on my hand, shoulder, glasses rim, or head. He particularly likes when I wear my head wrap

I have been given a number of other chameleons here in Cameroon, but Timu is the only one who has truly taken a shining to me. A few of the chameleons I've been given have been females -- even one big, fat, pregnant female! I let them go because I know that with my limited resources, I wouldn't be able to properly care for them.

People here are TERRIFIED of chameleons. They believe they're poison, or that they're possessed by wicked juju. People here think it's amazing (and awful) that I keep a chameleon.

I've joined the forums because now that I've been spending my time with Timu, I can foresee that I will be a chameleon queen for the rest of my life (YaaVuy is the traditional Cameroonian title I've been given. It means "chameleon queen")

I will be leaving Cameroon eventually and I wondered if anybody has advice for bringing him back with me to the US. I'd hate to leave him behind, and I can't imagine anything greater than being able to spend the next 10 years of my life with him by my side. He's my good, good friend.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums Sarah. What species is Timu? I'd love to see a picture. I am absolutely wild about my chameleons too. I interact with them daily, they also enjoy riding around on me and they each have an area in my house with trees where they live when they are not on me or outside in the FL sunshine.

I think you will be able to bring Timu with you but from what I've read it will take time and allot of work on your part to get all the nesseccery paperwork. Others here know allot more about that than I do.

Looking forward to more post from you and hopefully some photos.

 

[Decadancin]

Welcome Sarah! Glad you found the forums! I would love to see Timu!

 

[Yaavuy]

Timu Pics

I am not sure what species he is. He's from Northwest Cameroon, caught and tamed from the wild.

Here are some pics of Timu:

Here are some pics of other chameleons from the area:

This is Uncle Sherman:

This is Lucibelle:

This is Tippy:

Timu is the only one I've kept. Tippy escaped, Lucibelle was very very pregnant, and Uncle Sherman was kidnapped from his cage.

 

[jannb]

They are all beautiful chameleons! Timu is such a handsome little man. I am so glad you found such a special little friend.

 

[Chris Anderson]

Hi Sarah,

The chameleons you have pictured in your post are Trioceros serratus (formerly considered Trioceros wiedersheimi), which are one of the Peacock Chameleon species. This species is fairly common in the high elevation areas in the Northwest Region, and I found many of them around Oku when I was there a couple years ago. What mountain are you on?

As far as bringing him back to the US is concerned, it may be quite difficult unfortunately. They require CITES documents to cross international boarders, which would require you to work with the Cameroonian CITES Management Authority to get said permits. It will also be quite a bit of work to properly ship him back to the US (long trip as animal cargo in specific crates), and this species is rather delicate, generally doing poorly during the exportation process. Unfortunately I would probably advise against it.

Best,

Chris

 

[Carlton]

Hi Sarah,

The chameleons you have pictured in your post are Trioceros serratus (formerly considered Trioceros wiedersheimi), which are one of the Peacock Chameleon species. This species is fairly common in the high elevation areas in the Northwest Region, and I found many of them around Oku when I was there a couple years ago. What mountain are you on?

As far as bringing him back to the US is concerned, it may be quite difficult unfortunately. They require CITES documents to cross international boarders, which would require you to work with the Cameroonian CITES Management Authority to get said permits. It will also be quite a bit of work to properly ship him back to the US (long trip as animal cargo in specific crates), and this species is rather delicate, generally doing poorly during the exportation process. Unfortunately I would probably advise against it.

Best,

Chris

I have to agree with Chris on this one. There are so many things that could go wrong...delays with paperwork, having permits denied, not to mention the stress of shipping for a long complicated trip. He'd be much happier where he is. I know you'll miss him and can sympathize!

 

[Yaavuy]

Thanks Chris, I completely understand. That was my inclination, but thought I'd do a little investigation nonetheless.

There's a beautiful forest nearby where my friend has an apiary. When I leave, Timu can live there and eat all sorts of nom-nommy insects and be safe from all the Cameroonians who'd want to kill him

I'm in Kumbo. It's neat that you're familiar with the area! I have yet to go to Oku, but it's the very next place on my travel-to list.

 

[Yaavuy]

Well, everyone... Timu and I are no longer together.

I had a problem with the religious authority, and was forced to leave Cameroon. Long story.

I couldn't bring Timu back with me, so he's still there. My very good friend is taking care of him. I gave him a net, the cage, and precise care instructions. I trust he's in good hands.

Timu's the only one for me, for now. I won't get a new chameleon until Timu is no longer in my [inderect] care.

---

Happy note, though, I'm feeling really good about my unexpected early-arrival to the States. There's so much I can do here!

 

[Decadancin]

Welcome to the US! Sorry you had to leave Timu, but I'm glad you were able to leave him with someone to care for him. Hopefully when you get settled in you'll find some time for a new friend .