Orangutan self-medication with medicinal plant leaves

Male orangutan named Rakus in Indonesia treats his wound with medicinal plant leaves, demonstrating self-medication abilities in wild animals.

Orangutan Rakus' Self-Medication Behavior

Orangutan named Rakus in Sumatra, Indonesia, was observed applying pain-relieving plant paste to his wound, showcasing self-medication behavior in animals. Researchers believe this ability may trace back to a shared ancestor with humans. The discovery sheds light on the intelligence and capabilities of orangutans, a critically endangered species.

Orangutan Self-Medication with Medicinal Plants

An orangutan in Indonesia was observed treating a wound with medicinal plants, a behavior never seen before in wild animals.

Orangutan self-medication discovery

Orangutan named Rakus in Sumatra, Indonesia was observed self-medicating by chewing on pain-relieving leaves and applying them to his wounds. Researchers believe this behavior could trace back to a shared ancestor with humans. Orangutans are critically endangered due to habitat loss.