Wild orangutan seen treating wound with medicinal plant for the first time

A wild male Sumatran orangutan with a wound on his right cheek. He has been observed chewing the leaves of a climbing plant known as Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria) and applying the mixture to a wound, which is said to be the first time a wild animal has been observed using a plant with known medicinal properties to treat wounds. Pictures: Armas/Suaq Project/PA Wire

Scientists have, for the first time, observed an orangutan treating a wound with a plant known to have pain-relieving properties.

Biologists witnessed a wild male Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) in Indonesia, chewing the leaves of a climbing plant known as Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria) and applying the juicy mixture to a wound on his right cheek.