Wild Orangutan Uses Natural Remedies to Heal Wound in Unprecedented Observation by Scientists

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports revealed that an orangutan in Washington was observed treating a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, highlighting how some animals use natural remedies to heal themselves. The adult male orangutan was seen plucking and chewing a medicinal plant commonly used in Southeast Asia to treat pain and inflammation. After chewing the plant, he applied the juice to a wound on his right cheek using his fingers, then pressed the chewed plant over the wound like a bandage. This behavior is unique as it is the first time scientists have observed a wild animal using a plant directly on a wound.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany, and the Suaq Project in Medan, Indonesia. The observation took place in 2022 and showed that the wound healed within a month without any complications. Researchers have been studying orangutans in Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park since 1994 but had never observed this behavior before.

Experts such as biologist Jacobus de Roode from Emory University noted that observing new behaviors in animals from a single observation is not uncommon. The discovery of this behavior sheds light on the complex behaviors and capabilities of animals in their environments. Further research and observations may provide more insights into the natural healing practices of animals in their environments.

In conclusion, scientists reported yesterday that an orangutan in Washington appeared to treat a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, highlighting how some animals use natural remedies to heal themselves. This behavior is unique as it is the first time scientists have observed a wild animal using a plant directly on a wound. Further research and observations may provide more insights into the natural healing practices of animals in their environments.