23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Monkey Perched on a Buddhist Temple

At the Shri Mahakal temple in Darjeeling, India, a monkey sits amongst layers of colorful prayer flags to watch over devotees as they pay their respects. Temples are often refuges for animals as the monks coexist peacefully with them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Darjeeling, India
Camera: Canon EOS R6m2
Copyright: © Carly Althoff