Facts About Elephants Eyes

Interesting Facts About Elephant Eyes

The eyeball of an elephant is similar in size to those of humans and is small for such a large animal.
Elephants and wild pigs are the only ungulates with round pupils.
Round pupils are normally associated with forest or shade-adapted animals.
Elephants have limited angles of vision with a superior ability to see forward rather than sideways or backward.
Eyesight is considered poor in bright light but in dim light movement can be detected at up to 45m.
Although elephants shed tears, no functional tear glands are present.
Tears exude from the Harderian gland which is meant to keep the third eyelid or nictitating membrane moist.
Elephants close their eyes when sleeping with most sleep taking place in the early morning and in the heat of the day.
Adult elephants can lie down to sleep but frequently doze while standing.

Source: Dr Michelle Henley

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