Chimpanzees treat wounds with insects for their companions. The researchers found that chimpanzees caught insects, licked them, and smeared them on the wounds of other chimpanzees. Scientists speculate that the insects may be some sort of therapeutic ointment. Although many animals are known to treat themselves, this is the first time non-human animals have been reported to give drugs to others.
Science Focus reports that in 2019, a volunteer caught this behavior for the first time. At the Ozona Chimpanzee Project in Ioango National Park in West Africa, he saw a female chimpanzee smearing insects on her son's injured foot. Scientists working on the Ozouga project documented 22 additional examples of chimpanzees applying insects to open wounds over a 15-month period.
This is a small flying insect with a darker color. These insects may have some anti-inflammatory or antiseptic properties. However, the researchers say the insects may also have no medicinal value, and this behavior may be part of chimpanzee culture.
The animal kingdom is full of examples of animals treating themselves, animals that were born or known to use plants and other animals for medicinal purposes as a result of observing their parents or companions. For example, wood ants defend against pathogens by incorporating resin into their nests. Various birds in Mexico City integrate cigarette butts into their nests to prevent tick infestation. Capuchin monkeys bite millipedes and rub the toxins they produce into their fur to keep mosquitoes away.
