The sight of an elephant is quite poor and they can only see for short distances of up to 20 metres. In by-gone days elephant riders mounted on tame elephants were able to venture unnoticed into wild herds to select those suitable for training and subsequent sale. The eye is small in comparison with the head and there is only a vestigial tear gland. Elephants do not have a tear duct and 'tears' simply evaporate or run down the cheek.
Sight improves when in jungle areas or shade.
The poor eyesight is more than compensated by excellent hearing, sense of smell and tactile sense. Copyright 1997-2001 Elephant Nature Park. All rights reserved. Copying without express written permission is forbidden.