Wild elephants in nature may use plants to heal themselves when they are sick. Scientists talked to local people and wildlife scouts who watch the animals. The local people said that elephants select special plants when they feel unwell.
In one example, a wildlife scout saw elephant mothers prepare a plant to treat stomach pain. The mothers chewed the plant leaves and roots until they were smooth. Then, they mixed the plant material with their milk and gave it to their babies to chew.
Researchers learned that elephants may use 35 different types of plants. Local people already use 25 of these same plants as natural medicines. Scientists believe that studying these plants could help people discover new medicines.
More evidence is needed to prove that elephant mothers intentionally give medical treatment to their calves. Scientists have given cameras to local wildlife experts to record the elephants' behavior. They hope to learn more about how animals care for their health in the wild.