An orangutan was observed treating a wound with medicine from a tropical plant, which has been seen in other animals as well. Rakus, an adult male orangutan, was seen plucking and chewing up leaves of a medicinal plant to treat an injury on his cheek. He then applied the plant juices to the wound and covered it like a makeshift bandage. This behavior, recorded in 2022 in Indonesia, is the first time scientists have seen a wild animal applying a potent medicinal plant directly to a wound. The wound healed within a month without any problems, showing the effectiveness of the remedy.
Scientists have been studying orangutans in Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park since 1994, but this behavior had not been previously observed. It is believed that Rakus may have learned this technique from other orangutans living outside the study area and away from scientists’ daily scrutiny. The practice of using plants to treat injuries may have evolved in a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans. Rakus was born and lived as a juvenile outside the study area, and researchers believe he got hurt in a fight with another animal. It is not known if he has treated other injuries in his life.
Previous research has documented several species of great apes using plants to heal themselves in forests. Bornean orangutans have been seen rubbing themselves with medicinal plant juices to reduce body pains or chase away parasites, while great apes ingest specific plants to treat parasite infections and rub plant material on their skin to soothe sore muscles. Chimpanzees have been observed chewing on bitter-tasting plants to soothe stomachs, and gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos swallow rough leaves whole to get rid of stomach parasites. This behavior in our closest living relatives raises questions about how medicine first evolved.
Emory University biologist Jacobus de Roode believes that Rakus’ behavior is likely self-medication, as he only applied the plant to the wound and not to any other body part. This unique observation highlights the potential for animals to use natural remedies for healing purposes. The orangutan’s ability to identify and use a medicinal plant to treat his wound showcases the intelligence and resourcefulness of wildlife in finding ways to heal themselves. The study sheds light on the fascinating behaviors of wild animals and their interactions with their environment. Further research may reveal more insights into the uses of natural remedies in the animal kingdom.
