Chimpanzees apply 'medicine' to each others' wounds in a possible show of empathy

[UngulateNerd92]

For the first time, chimpanzees were spotted capturing insects and applying them to their own wounds, as well as the wounds of others, possibly as a form of medication.

This behavior of one animal applying medication to the wounds of another has never been observed before, and it may be a sign of helpful tendencies in chimpanzees similar to empathy in humans, according to a new study.

Researchers witnessed multiple instances of this behavior within a community of about 45 chimpanzees at the Loango National Park in Gabon, as part of the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project.

Chimpanzees apply 'medicine' to each others' wounds in a possible show of empathy - CNN

 

[Zoofan15]

For the first time, chimpanzees were spotted capturing insects and applying them to their own wounds, as well as the wounds of others, possibly as a form of medication.

This behavior of one animal applying medication to the wounds of another has never been observed before, and it may be a sign of helpful tendencies in chimpanzees similar to empathy in humans, according to a new study.

Researchers witnessed multiple instances of this behavior within a community of about 45 chimpanzees at the Loango National Park in Gabon, as part of the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project.

Chimpanzees apply 'medicine' to each others' wounds in a possible show of empathy - CNN

This is a fascinating article!

While this is a novel discovery, it comes as no surprise given the complex social repertoire this species is known for.

Actions such as this that are suggested to be empathetic draw parallels to similar examples of pro social behaviour.

At Taronga Zoo, females have been observed offering comfort to stressed individuals within the community (both related and unrelated) e.g. a middle aged female offering emotional support to an unrelated elderly female who was nervous when the males were displaying.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

This is a fascinating article!

While this is a novel discovery, it comes as no surprise given the complex social repertoire this species is known for.

Actions such as this that are suggested to be empathetic draw parallels to similar examples of pro social behaviour.

At Taronga Zoo, females have been observed offering comfort to stressed individuals within the community (both related and unrelated) e.g. a middle aged female offering emotional support to an unrelated elderly female who was nervous when the males were displaying.

Wow, thank you for sharing this with us. That is fascinating stuff... I look forward to seeing further findings on these studies. I wonder what comparative studies might come out with Bonobos.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow, thank you for sharing this with us. That is fascinating stuff... I look forward to seeing further findings on these studies. I wonder what comparative studies might come out with Bonobos.

No problem. I’ve also found it interesting to read about alloparenting in Common chimpanzee.

At Taronga Zoo, several juveniles (male and female) have demonstrated alloparenting - which is believed to be mutually beneficial i.e. the males learn social dynamics and the females additionally refine maternal behaviour; however it’s also been observed in adult females who seemingly gain no benefit from care of the offspring of unrelated females.

In 1989, one of the adult females died, leaving behind her 3.5 year old son. Another adult female watched over him from that point on. She was unrelated to the deceased mother and the infant. She was already a high ranking female who gained no boost in status through this action.

Similarly, the alpha female is currently mentoring an eight year old male, teaching him social cues etc. He’s a positive hindrance to her at times, throwing tantrums and smacking her (which she deals with by calmly restraining him). As the highest ranking female, she gains no status boost by her association with him - which is of great benefit to him and him alone.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Here is a relevant video;