In a small, bustling neighborhood in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a remarkable little helper is gaining attention—not for causing mischief, as monkeys often do, but for doing household chores. Meet Momo, a highly intelligent capuchin monkey who has been trained by her owner to assist with simple tasks around the house when no one is home.
Capuchin monkeys are known for their intelligence and dexterity, but Momo takes things to a whole new level. She doesn’t just fetch items or mimic human behavior for treats—she actually contributes to the day-to-day routine of the household. From tidying up scattered laundry to helping feed the family’s pets, Momo has become a small but mighty part of the home’s functioning ecosystem.
Training Through Trust and Patience
Momo’s owner, 34-year-old Thanawat Suriya, began training her shortly after adopting her from a licensed wildlife center. “At first, I just wanted her to feel safe and happy. But I quickly noticed how quickly she learned routines,” Thanawat explains.
Rather than using strict commands or negative reinforcement, Thanawat focused on positive association and repetition. “If she picked up a sock and put it in the laundry basket, she got a piece of fruit. She loved the game,” he says with a laugh.
Over time, these games turned into habits. Now, Momo instinctively knows to collect laundry, wipe dust off low surfaces using a small cloth, and even gently nudge the family cat away from furniture when it starts scratching.
A High-Tech Helper
What makes Momo’s story even more remarkable is that she operates independently when Thanawat is away—thanks to a few smart home devices.
“I set up small motion sensors and cameras so I can monitor her while I’m out,” he says. “She’s not forced to do anything, but I leave little cues for her. For example, if I drop a toy near the hallway camera, she knows it’s cleanup time.”
Using simple cues and reminders, Momo engages in chores at her own pace. She’s also learned to interact with a smart feeder, dropping dog food into a pet bowl when the timer goes off.
Ethics and Responsibility
While Momo’s story is endearing and impressive, Thanawat is quick to stress the importance of ethical ownership. “Monkeys aren’t pets for everyone. They require constant care, stimulation, and love. I don’t treat Momo like a servant—I treat her like family.”
He shares his story not to encourage the domestication of wild animals, but to show the potential of building deep, respectful bonds with them.
A Viral Sensation
As videos of Momo’s daily tasks make their way to social media, she’s become a small sensation. From folding napkins (well, trying to) to opening and closing cabinet doors, she’s won the hearts of thousands online.
Momo’s story reminds us of the astonishing intelligence animals possess—and how, with patience and kindness, even the smallest creature can make a big difference in a home.
