Because okapi have poor eyesight, calves rely on the white coloration on their mothers’ lower legs to contrast against the dark forest, thus allowing them to easily follow behind.
Okapi have large, black eyes with long, thick eyelashes. Okapi calves have long hairs around the eyes, referred to as “false eyelashes,” that disappear in time.
Even though they have large eyes, okapi have poor eyesight. Calves rely on the white coloring of the anklets and stockings on the lower legs of the okapi to contrast against the dark forest, thus allowing them to easily follow behind.
Sources: (San Diego Zoo Global, 2017)
Image: Tambako the Jaguar
