Morgan Freeman has dedicated his 124-acre ranch in Mississippi to honeybees, converting it into a sanctuary to help address the declining honeybee population. The actor, known for his iconic voice and extensive film career, took up beekeeping in 2014 and has since brought 26 bee hives to his property from Arkansas. Freeman’s sanctuary features bee-friendly vegetation like magnolia trees, lavender, and clover, and he personally feeds the bees sugar water as they acclimate to their new environment. Remarkably, he has never been stung despite not wearing protective gear.
Freeman’s commitment to beekeeping stems from his desire to combat the alarming decrease in bee colonies, which he discussed in a 2016 interview on “Larry King Live.” He emphasized the crucial role bees play in the ecosystem, particularly in pollinating crops, which is essential for human food supply. The decline in bee populations, known as Colony Collapse Disorder, has multiple causes, including environmental stressors, pesticides, lack of genetic diversity, and mite infestations. Climate change and the use of neonicotinoid pesticides also contribute to the problem.
Freeman’s efforts highlight the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for concerted action to preserve pollinator populations. His bee sanctuary serves as a model for how individuals can make a significant impact on ecological health and sustainability.