In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed a male orangutan, Rakus, using plants as medicine—a first-ever recording of a wild animal self-medicating for wound care. This unique behavior was spotted in the jungle, where Rakus chewed the stem and leaves of a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties and applied it to his injured cheek. The wound, likely caused by a territorial fight, healed within a month.

What makes this finding extraordinary is its implications for both orangutans and humans. Dr Isabelle Laumer, the lead researcher and guest on our latest Talking Apes episode, highlights how Rakus' actions could offer insights into the evolutionary roots of self-medication in primates, possibly tracing back to a common ancestor. Her research opens up questions about how much orangutans—and perhaps other great apes—might already know about medicinal plants in their environment.

Join us for this special Orangutan Caring Week episode to explore how this discovery reshapes our understanding of primate intelligence, behavior, and our shared evolutionary past. Don't miss this look into the wild world of orangutan healing techniques.

Tune in to uncover the full story and the fascinating questions it raises!

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Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
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Generations at Gombe: Elizabeth Lonsdorf on Chimpanzee Mothers, Babies, and the Power of Long-Term Study

In this episode of Talking Apes we’re joined by Elizabeth Lonsdorf whose decades spanning career has been rooted at Gombe, the iconic chimpanzee research site founded by Dr. Jane Goodall. What started as a project to study tool-use in wild chimps has evolved into a lifetime of discovery. Elizabeth, now co-director of the Gombe Mother-Infant Project, explores the most intimate relationships in chimpanzee society: mothers and their babies.

How does a chimpanzee’s early life adversity—such as losing its mother—affect its behavior as an adult? How do maternal behaviors pass through generations, and what can this teach us about the evolution of childhood in both chimpanzees and humans? Elizabeth shares how her team tracks these remarkable apes from nest to nest, gathering fecal samples (yes, chimp poop is gold!) and data on everything from social bonds to stress hormones.

Elizabeth discusses how chimps are not just “chimps.” Every community has its own culture, behaviors, and unique challenges. Tune in to find out how the Gombe research team is now following the fifth generation of chimps and why there are still so many mysteries left to uncover in the lives of our closest animal relatives.

You won’t want to miss this deep dive into the generational stories of Gombe chimps.

Click here to visit Elizabeth's website

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Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
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Season 4 Premiere: World Gorilla Day Special Episode! 🦍

We’re thrilled to launch Season 4 of Talking Apes with a special release in celebration of World Gorilla Day! This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kirsten Gilardi, Executive Director of Gorilla Doctors, the ground-breaking organization that’s saving gorillas through cutting-edge veterinary care.

In this episode, Kirsten shares her passion for gorilla conservation and the awe-inspiring experiences of working up close with these incredible animals. From the emotional moment of meeting a gorilla for the first time, to the complex challenges of protecting gorillas across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo, this episode offers rare insights into what it takes to keep these endangered species alive.

'It was like meeting a cousin or brother for the first time, realizing they were part of my family and recognizing that kinship.'

You’ll hear about:

• Gorilla Doctors' "One Health" approach – safeguarding gorillas, people, and the environment
• The crucial role of local vets and communities in conservation efforts
• How tourism has helped and hindered gorilla protection
• Incredible stories about vets in the field

‘We’re not running a veterinary clinic outside the forest. Our vets go right into the park and do the work.’

This episode is packed with heart, inspiration, and the reality of what it takes to save one of our closest relatives from the brink of extinction. It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about wildlife conservation, gorillas, or the future of our planet.

🎧 Tune in now and celebrate World Gorilla Day with us by diving into this amazing episode!

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Support the show

Talking Apes is an initiative of the nonprofit GLOBIO.
Official website: talkingapes.org
Instagram: @talkingapes_podcast
Twitter: @talking_apes
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