Morgan Freeman, the beloved actor and nature lover, has taken a remarkable step to save honeybees from a looming crisis.
At 81 years old, Freeman has turned his Mississippi ranch into a sanctuary for bees. His passion for beekeeping began in 2014, when he converted 124 acres into a haven for these vital pollinators. Bringing in 26 hives from Arkansas, he also planted vast fields of bee-friendly plants like magnolia trees, lavender, and clover.
Freeman personally tended to the bees, even feeding them sugar water himself. Remarkably, despite not wearing protective gear, he’s never been stung. His focus isn’t on harvesting honey or disturbing the hives; it’s about revitalizing the declining honeybee population.
Explaining his mission on Larry King Live in 2016, Freeman emphasized the urgency, stating, “There’s been a distressing decline in bee colonies, especially in our country. Scientists are warning that this is dangerous.”
In a chat with Jimmy Fallon in 2014, Freeman highlighted the importance of bees, saying, “There’s a concerted effort to bring bees back to the planet. We don’t realize they are the foundation of the planet’s growth and vegetation.”
Why are bees dying off? Experts cite several reasons, including environmental stress, pesticides like neonicotinoids used in agriculture, and climate change disrupting their habitats and food sources. According to a recent survey by Auburn University and University of Maryland, U.S. beekeepers reported a 40% loss in honeybee colonies last year—a significant increase.
Freeman’s dedication to creating a bee sanctuary sets a powerful example of environmental stewardship. Each of us plays a role in protecting our planet, and Freeman’s initiative shows how every effort counts in safeguarding the future of our ecosystem.
