She might not be the lonely goatherd from the Sound of Music, but she is truly unique. Mani has all the skills of an experienced herder, the only difference she's a monkey.

Every morning at the Palagapandy estate in southern India's Kerala state, the goats are allowed out to graze.

But as they head into the forest, no human herder accompanies them.

Mani takes the herd, numbering 75, around the plantation and brings them safely back to their pen.

Martin K, Estate Manager, said, "She takes out the goats for grazing and brings them back. A shepherd is usually required to accompany the goats all day long, but because of her, manpower can be spared. She is as good as a shepherd. She does not speak, but she carries out all responsibilities."

Mani is said to make a strange sound when she discovers a goat is missing or when danger lurks.

It has been three years since Mani came to stay at the estate.

She was found injured by some estate workers who nursed her back to health, expecting her to return to the wild.

But Mani chose to stay on with her new companions.

She and her baby play with the goats. Without being given any special training, she devised her own way to control the flock.

(CCTV July 10, 2009)