A Toque macaque monkey, one of two species endemic to Sri Lanka, looks out from a perch as two women tour the grounds of the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. Located in north-central region of the country, Polonnaruwa was the island’s medieval capital between the 11th and 13th century. Built alongside a large ancient artificial lake there are well-preserved ruins of palaces, bathing pools, stupas and enormous rock sculptures of Buddha. More than 70% of Sri Lankan residents are Buddhist. The Toque is one of two monkeys that are endemic to Sri Lanka. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

An elephant forages in Minneriya National Park in central Sri Lanka near Habarana. Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 22,000-acre park is home to Asian elephants, deer and many species of birds. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)