Amadeus_peasant
Member
On March 16, 2025 at the NARBC Tinley Park, I purchased a male Tamatave panther chameleon through New Moon Reptiles.
The man who owns the company was pretty nice when I met him and seemed genuinely excited about the chameleons. He told me that he was not a chameleon breeder but he works with a breeder in Germany. I thought that was a little weird but he seemed genuinely excited when I was talking to him about panthers so I took a chance and purchased a male Tamatave panther chameleon from him and was given a female Nosy Be for $50. I didn’t think that was a good way to make a profit but it was the last day and I pointed out that she was dehydrated. People passing by started asking me how I knew that and other questions about panther chameleons which may have made him panic and give her to me? I don’t know.
I handled both of them to test their behavior, strength, and how responsive they were. Both chameleons were in good condition with the exception of being dehydrated and did not display any distressed behaviors that a wild-caught chameleon would so I assumed they were captive-bred. I thought about it and decided to took them both home.
Both chameleons were acclimating well to their new enclosures and had no problems with eating or drinking. I kid you not, one month after taking them home, the male became unresponsive and died. He was fine and walking around his enclosure 30 minutes prior to this.
I got in contact with the owner of New Moon Reptiles and he told me to send him my information, which I did, but has not answered any of my messages. I wanted to get in contact with the breeder and see if they were examined by a professional before being sending them out or if there was a possibility or a genetic condition but was unable to do so since the owner was actively ignoring my messages.
The female’s enclosure has the same conditions and she is thriving. I know that the husbandry was not the problem and now I’m worried I supported a company that sells wild-caught chameleons and lies about it.
TLDR: New Moon Reptiles ghosts their customer after selling a (potentially) wild-caught panther chameleons and lying about it.
The man who owns the company was pretty nice when I met him and seemed genuinely excited about the chameleons. He told me that he was not a chameleon breeder but he works with a breeder in Germany. I thought that was a little weird but he seemed genuinely excited when I was talking to him about panthers so I took a chance and purchased a male Tamatave panther chameleon from him and was given a female Nosy Be for $50. I didn’t think that was a good way to make a profit but it was the last day and I pointed out that she was dehydrated. People passing by started asking me how I knew that and other questions about panther chameleons which may have made him panic and give her to me? I don’t know.
I handled both of them to test their behavior, strength, and how responsive they were. Both chameleons were in good condition with the exception of being dehydrated and did not display any distressed behaviors that a wild-caught chameleon would so I assumed they were captive-bred. I thought about it and decided to took them both home.
Both chameleons were acclimating well to their new enclosures and had no problems with eating or drinking. I kid you not, one month after taking them home, the male became unresponsive and died. He was fine and walking around his enclosure 30 minutes prior to this.
I got in contact with the owner of New Moon Reptiles and he told me to send him my information, which I did, but has not answered any of my messages. I wanted to get in contact with the breeder and see if they were examined by a professional before being sending them out or if there was a possibility or a genetic condition but was unable to do so since the owner was actively ignoring my messages.
The female’s enclosure has the same conditions and she is thriving. I know that the husbandry was not the problem and now I’m worried I supported a company that sells wild-caught chameleons and lies about it.
TLDR: New Moon Reptiles ghosts their customer after selling a (potentially) wild-caught panther chameleons and lying about it.
While there’s no way to change the past, moving forward I suggest getting the girl checked by a vet and get a fecal done to ensure that she’s ok. In the future, only buy chameleons and other animals from reputable and devoted breeders. While you may save a few $$ buying from other sources, you may pay the difference with your heart, if not your wallet. Reputable breeders charge premium prices not just for the thought and care in which they breed their animals and the quality care they give them, but the support they provide their customers. 
