They are bright green , so teen tiny that they sit comfortably on a pencil or fingertip - and too adorable that is it hard to believe they are actually real . New veiled chameleon hatchlings have just popped out into the world at Sydney 's Taronga Zoo and their almost cartoon-like looks are already winning the world over . Two of the final three clutches of the eggs have already hatched this week with the third in the process of producing the last of the seriously cute critters . More than 20 baby chameleons , which are currently only 5cm long but will grow to about 30cm , are the first born at the zoo in over five years . New veiled chameleons have hatched at Taronga Zoo in Sydney and they are only about 5cm long . The almost cartoon-like characters are already winning the world over since popping into the world . The hatchlings have begun feeding on crickets and turning on a bright green colour display for keepers . More than 20 baby chameleons , which are currently only about 5cm long , are the first born at the zoo in over five years . Housed in a special temperature-controlled area behind the scenes at Taronga 's Reptile World , the hatchlings have begun feeding on crickets and turning on a bright green colour display for keepers . Reptile supervisor , Michael McFadden said the chameleons , which are native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia , would be mature and able to showcase their full colour palette within a year . 'Veiled chameleons are a visually amazing species that we 're fortunate to have at Taronga , ' McFadden said . 'While they 're not endangered , they do play an important educational role in helping us to get people excited about reptiles and reptile conservation . ' The chameleons are housed in a special temperature-controlled area behind the scenes at Taronga 's Reptile World . Two of the final three clutches of the eggs have already hatched this week with the third in the process of producing the last of the seriously cute critters . Normally a shade of green or brown while at rest , the chameleons can change colour when frightened , courting or defending their territory . The display shades of green , yellow , aqua and even very dark brown or black depending on their temperature , mood and reproductive behaviour . Normally a shade of green or brown while at rest , the chameleons can change colour when frightened , courting or defending their territory . 'You 'll see shades of green , yellow , aqua and even very dark brown or black depending on their temperature , mood and reproductive behaviour , ' McFadden said . 'However , they do n't change colour to match a particular background like you see in cartoons . ' Built for a life in the trees , the veiled chameleons also have zygodactyl feet that can easily grasp branches , their eyes can rotate independently and look in two directions at once and their tongue can project 1.5 times their body length to capture prey . 'They can literally look forwards and backwards at the same time , which enables them to be on the watch for predators and food at all times , ' said Michael . Visitors will be able to see these amazing adaptations in action when up to four of the new hatchlings go on display once they reach maturity . The remaining hatchlings will move to other Australian zoos and wildlife parks once they reach two - three months old . However , the veiled chameleons do n't change colour to match a particular background like you see in cartoons . Their eyes can rotate independently and look in two directions at once and their tongue can project 1.5 times their body length to capture prey . Native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia , the be mature and able to showcase their full colour palette within a year and grow to about 30cm . Built for a life in the trees , the veiled chameleons also have zygodactyl feet that can easily grasp branches .
New veiled chameleon hatchlings have just popped out into the world at Sydney 's Taronga Zoo this week . Two of final three clutches of the eggs have hatched with third in process of producing last of seriously cute critters . More than 20 baby chameleons , which are only about 5cm long , are the first born at the zoo in over five years . The green creatures , native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia , will mature and showcase full colour palette within a year . Normally green or brown shade while resting , they change colour when frightened , courting or defending territory . Visitors can see these amazing adaptations in action when up to four of the hatchlings will go on display once they reach maturity over the next year .