I see you staring at me. Probably wondering, ‘Why does he look so wise?’ Well, that’s just how we Grey Langurs are. The silver-grey fur, the beard-like cheek fluff, the deep, knowing eyes—it all comes together to give off an air of ancient wisdom. Some folks even say we look like sages from the old stories. I spend my days mostly hanging out in the trees, watching the world go by, occasionally grabbing a snack—mostly leaves, fruits, and flowers. A little grooming here, a little lounging there. Life’s pretty good when you’ve got a strong troop backing you up. We stick together, always on the lookout for trouble. Leopards, dogs, and those sneaky human-made traps? No, thank you. But we’re smart. We figure things out. Oh, and don’t let my calm demeanour fool you. I may look like a peaceful monk, but if another male tries to take over my troop, let’s just say things can get... dramatic. Fur flies, tails whip, and someone usually leaves with a bruised ego. That’s just the way it goes.

I’ve got a tail that’s longer than my whole body—perfect for balancing on tree branches like a true acrobat. Unlike some of my jungle cousins, I don’t mind a little city life. You’ll spot me chilling in temples, villages, even busy streets, because hey—free food is free food. Did you know that some people think we bring good luck? I’ve heard this is especially true in India– they say we’re sacred because we’re associated with the Hindu god Hanuman. Not bad, huh? Hey, maybe I should move to India… but then how do I cross the sea? Hmmm… something to ponder over. Anyway, enough about me. If you ever see a Grey Langur staring off into the distance, deep in thought, just know—I’m probably just deciding which tree to jump to next or contemplating the mysteries of life!

The adventurous Grey Langurs are a common sight in Sri Lanka’s National Parks, often pausing to curiously observe humans. This captivating image was taken by Lorenzo outside the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala.