Ape Medicine

Are humans the only animals that practice medicine? In this episode, two scientists share surprising observations of orangutans and chimpanzees treating wounds–their own and others'–with plants and insects. These discoveries challenge ideas about uniquely human behaviors and offer insights into animal intelligence, empathy, and the evolutionary roots of medicine. Origin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and outreach. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about our work!  Videos Rakus and his wound Rakus doing a long call after being wounded Chimp applying insect to wound Caroline Schuppli on Lunch Break Science  Links to learn more SUAQ Orangutan Program Ozouga Chimpanzees (where Alessandra studies chimpanzee behavior) Research papers Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan (open access) Application of insects to wounds of self and others by chimpanzees in the wild (pdf) Credits Origin Stories is a listener-supported show. Additional support comes from Jeanne Newman, , Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.  Origin Stories is produced by Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Theme music by Henry Nagle. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.