Chimps observed treating wounds of others

New research suggests that chimpanzees might be performing a type of first aid; on themselves, and more notably, on their peers. Chimpanzees in Gabon have been observed catching flying insects, immobilising them by squeezing them between their lips, and then applying the insect to a wound. The behaviour was first noticed when an adult female chimpanzee named Suzee was spotted applying the insect treatment to her son's foot. Over a 15-month period, the chimpanzees were observed treating wounds in this manner at least 22 times. The research contributes to ongoing debate about the ability of animals, and chimpanzees in particular, to selflessly help others. Lynn speaks with Professor Dr Simone Pika; the co-author of the study. Dr Pika is the co-director of the Ozouga Chimpanzee Project in Gabon and leads an animal cognition lab at the Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Osnabrück in Germany.