42K views · 1.1K reactions | Big Mac’s tapetum lucidum!! The tapetum...

Big Mac’s tapetum lucidum!! The tapetum lucidum is a layer of reflective tissue located behind the retina in the eyes of many nocturnal animals. It acts as a retroreflector, reflecting visible light that passes through the retina back into the eye. This reflection increases the amount of light available to the photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the retina, enhancing an animal’s night vision. Because Big Mac has eye damage from getting hit by a car, we’re able to get a rare up close look at his t

Why do their eyes glow??? From the tapetum lucidum! This reflective cell membrane helps enhance the night vision of many animals! Humans do not have a tapetum lucidum, but we do get the red eye effect in photos when the flash reflects off the retina. I’m also a vampire creature of the night so you see mine more 😉. More info from previous posts-At @evergladesholidaypark We feed our gators at the rescue once a week, that’s it, and only a few pieces each. 40lbs between about 20 gators, once a week