CNN —Scientists working in Indonesia have observed an orangutan intentionally treating a wound on their face with a medicinal plant, the first time this behavior has been documented.
ArmasThe team believe that Rakus intentionally used the plant to treat his wound as he applied it repeatedly in a process that researchers say took several minutes.
“This possibly innovative behavior presents the first report of active wound management with a biological active plant in a great ape species,” she said.
As for how Rakus would have learned how to treat a wound, one possibility is “accidental individual innovation,” said Laumer.
Another possible explanation is that Rakus learned how to treat a wound from other orangutans in the area where he was born, said Laumer.
Persons:
Kuning, Rakus, Isabelle Laumer, Armas, Laumer, ”
Organizations:
CNN, Max Planck, Animal
Locations:
Indonesia, Gunung Leuser