Chimps are not Chumps


Amazing as it may seem to some of you, chimpanzees in the wild have been documented using plant material in their natural habitat for medicinal purposes. The more these incredible animals, and other species of non-human primate, are studied; the more intriguing their lives become. The differences between "them and us" are slowly melting away leaving "us" to ponder just how much better (or smarter or more deserving of rights) are we really?

The Great Apes Project is a worldwide project devoted to obtaining rights for these incredible animals. Gorillas, Orangutans and Chimpanzees all are considered "great apes." The fact they exhibit many of the same behaviors as us gives much support to the Great Apes project. Socialization, family life, communication and yes, even knowledge of medicinal treatment furthers this endeavor.

The world-renowned chimpanzee specialist, Jane Goodall has noted, "Chimpanzees use forest plants as medicine. What is remarkable is that the folk of the forest use plant medicines in the same way. For example, the rather hairy leaf of the Aspilia is swallowed whole by both chimpanzees and humans to physically remove hookworm." She was also the first person to observe chimpanzees using tools. They have been seen using sticks to fish for termites, stones as anvils and hammers and leaves as cups and sponges. It's no wonder people are beginning to realize they are not so far removed from who we are, as once was thought.

Next time I'll be telling you more about the Great Ape Project.

To read more about this amazing subject, " Really Wild Remedies- Medicinal Plant Use by Animals by Jennifer A. Biser, go to: "http://www.fonz.org/zoogoer/zg1998/27(1)..."

Also: " Mother Nature's Cauldron of Cures" by Jennifer A. Biser at: "http://www.fonz.org/zoogoer/zg1998/27(1)..."

Another article " THE CANNABIS PAPERS, The Sacramental Use Of Cannabis Sativamay" by Roderick W. Marling may be found at: "http://www.kamakala.com/cannabis.htm"

The copyright of the article Chimps are not Chumps in Primates is owned by Karen Hawkins. Permission to republish Chimps are not Chumps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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