Self-care: Orangutan Seen Apparently Treating Wound

Scientists have observed an orangutan applying medicinal herbs to a face wound in an apparently successful attempt to heal an injury, marking the first time such behavior has been recorded in the wild.

The orangutan, named Rakus, was seen chewing the leaves of a vine known for its medicinal properties and applying the plant juice directly onto his facial wound.

The wound healed without infection, suggesting the treatment was effective.

While it is unclear if the behavior was intentional, researchers speculate that Rakus may have learned the medical technique from another community.

This observation adds to the growing body of evidence about how primates use plants for medicinal purposes.

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