In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed an orangutan in Washington using natural remedies to treat a wound. The orangutan, an adult male, 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 was recorded in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports and 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 behavior of the orangutan was observed in 2022 and showed that the wound healed within a month without any complications.
Experts such as biologist Jacobus de Roode from Emory University noted that observing new behaviors in animals from a single observation is not uncommon. However, this discovery sheds light on the complex behaviors and capabilities of animals in their natural environments. Further research and observations may provide more insights into the natural healing practices of animals and their use of natural remedies to treat wounds.
The study highlights how some animals have developed unique ways of treating injuries through natural means. This behavior is not only beneficial for their survival but also has potential implications for human medicine. Scientists are now exploring how these plants work and how they can be used to develop new treatments for various diseases.
In conclusion, this discovery shows that even though we may think that animals are less intelligent than humans, they possess complex behaviors and capabilities beyond our understanding. By studying these behaviors further, we can gain valuable insights into our own world and improve our lives accordingly.
