Chimps in Uganda Seemingly Provide First-Aid Care

A scientist studying chimpanzees in Uganda noticed them performing a remarkable task, both for themselves and other chimps. It seems that, when wounded, chimpanzees know how to apply first-aid-like care to themselves and others. Some of the behavior is typical of animals, such as licking wounds. However, Dr. Elodie Freymann noticed something even more astonishing. The chimps she was observing in Budongo Forest seemed to be giving healing care by chewing up medicinal leaves and applying them to their own, or another’s, injuries. The behavior suggests that the chimps can think about how to help when it is needed and that they possess empathy for one another.

Dr. Freymann shared there is “a whole behavioural repertoire that chimpanzees use when they’re sick or injured in the wild — to treat themselves and to maintain hygiene.”

Chimps Observed Doing This for Decades

Written observations over the past few decades have demonstrated that this behavior is not a new phenomenon. As Dr. Freymann reviewed the notes from previous years, she discovered several entries regarding chimps using medicinal plants and insects in this manner.

The care is not limited to a mother and her baby. It seems that chimps of all ages help one another, and not only family members. It seems that the care is nondiscriminatory within the entire species.

Licking sores and wounds is a common behavior for all types of animals, and this helps to remove debris that slows or inhibits healing. However, chimps take it a step further by not only licking their wounds but also those of others.

A documented case showed a male chimp sucking on the leg of another male to help clean the damaged area. Another showed a male helping a female who was entangled in a rope escape. While this may seem unremarkable, the fact that these animals not only realize when one of their own needs assistance, they also provide the necessary assistance their fellow primates require.

“If I were plopped down here in this forest with no food and no medicine, I doubt that I’d be able to survive very long, especially if I were injured or sick,” said Dr. Freymann. “But chimpanzees thrive here because they know how to access the secrets of this place, and how to find all they need to survive from their surroundings.”

Chimpanzees are known for their intelligence and their ability to solve puzzles and learn new things. It seems they may be capable of more than we realize.

1. Chimps give healing care by chewing up medicinal leaves and applying them to their own, or another’s, injuries.
2. Such behavior suggests that chimps can think about how to help when it is needed and that they possess empathy for one another.
3. Licking sores and wounds is a common behavior for all types of animals, and this helps to remove debris that slows or inhibits healing.