A new study from the University of Oxford has found that chimpanzees exhibit hygiene and healthcare behaviors such as wiping themselves, tending to wounds, and cleaning post-mating. This research adds to previous findings of great apes using natural remedies for health care. The study indicates a widespread practice of healthcare among chimpanzees, challenging the belief that such behaviors are unique to humans. Dr. Elodie Freymann emphasizes how these observations contribute to the understanding of empathy and altruism in animals, suggesting these traits are not exclusive to human beings.
The researchers say their study offers fresh insights into such behaviour in chimpanzees, revealing they too apply chewed plant material to their wounds.
Dr. Elodie Freymann noted, 'the more that we find cases of animals helping each other with no immediate benefit to themselves, the more we compile evidence'...
This study is showing animals in the wild know how to take care of themselves and use such skills on others when sick or injured.
The new study could have implications for debates on empathy and altruism in animals, suggesting these traits may not be unique to humans.
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