Ugandan Chimps Give Oxford Scientists Insights into Nature’s First Aid

In Uganda’s Budongo Forest, wild chimpanzees have been caught on camera using medicinal plants to treat wounds—both their own and others’. Oxford researchers, working with local scientists, observed chimps chewing and applying healing leaves to injuries and even tending to unrelated animals. This builds on earlier findings that chimps eat certain plants to self-medicate. Tests revealed that most of the plants had antibacterial properties. Some of the chimpanzees’ behaviors, like cleaning up with leaves after defecating and removing snares, show surprisingly human-like hygiene and empathy. Backed by decades of field notes, this research reveals just how sophisticated these primates are in navigating forest “pharmacies.” Furthermore, scientists believe their knowledge could inspire new pharmaceutical treatments.