Orangutan was observed treating a wound using a plant. Dr. Hidenobu Toriyoshi, Ph.D, DVM
In the summer of 2022, a Sumatran orangutan named "Laks" was observed treating a wound on its face using a plant known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. This behavior was reported in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports" on May 2, 2024, marking the first recorded instance of a wild animal intentionally using a medicinal plant to treat a wound.
Laks chewed the leaves of the plant to extract the liquid, which he then applied to the wound. Afterward, he used the chewed leaves as a poultice on the wound. He continued this treatment for several days, and the wound began to heal within a few days, becoming almost unnoticeable after about a month.
Researcher Isabelle Laumer suggested that Laks might have discovered the plant's medicinal properties by chance, learned from his mother, or observed the behavior in other orangutans. Great apes have long childhoods, providing ample opportunities to learn.
There have been other observations of wild primates using medicinal plants. For instance, in the 1960s, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall reported finding leaves with medicinal properties in the feces of chimpanzees. Similar behaviors have been observed in other groups since then, but the specific plants used were not identified. Laks' behavior is particularly noteworthy because the medicinal properties of the plant he used are well-known.
This discovery suggests that self-medication behaviors may be deeply rooted in the evolutionary history of humans. However, since this behavior has been observed only once, further research is needed.