Chimpanzees Use 'First Aid' in Uganda's Forest

Chimpanzees' Use of Plants for First Aid: A New Discovery in Uganda Wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest have been observed using plants to treat their wounds and tend to the injuries of others. This remarkable behavior was captured on film by University of Oxford scientists working with a local research team. The footage shows chimps carefully applying leaves to their wounds, exhibiting a form of self-medication previously unknown in such detail. "The footage adds to a growing body of evidence that primates, including chimps, orangutans and gorillas, use natural medicines in a number of ways to stay healthy in the wild." says Dr. Elodie Freymann, the lead researcher. The discovery highlights the complex cognitive abilities and social structures within chimpanzee communities. It also underscores the importance of preserving their natural habitat and the wealth of knowledge it holds. This research opens new avenues for understanding animal behavior and the potential therapeutic properties of plants.