Desperate children and restaurant patrons had to dash to safety as a swarm of bees descended on a popular playpark and petting zoo in Bellville, Cape Town.
“It was like something out of a movie,” Talian Scott, a nanny who was there with two children says.
Scott and the children went to Stodels in Bellville on Thursday afternoon where a large outside playpark, restaurant and petting zoo are located.
“We went to go and feed the animals and suddenly just saw all these bees.”
Waiters and staff moved them away as the number of bees intensified.
“They had to clear out the whole restaurant and play area.”
She says staff used fire extinguishers and sprinklers in vain as they tried to get the bees away from the animals.
“They stung the animals so badly,” she says.
Aisha Arnold, branch manager at Stodels in Bellville says the bees were living in a beehive in a large tree in an adjacent garden.
The tree collapsed, sending the bees in the direction of Stodels.
“Because of the unexpected collapse, the bees were unsettled and flew around protecting themselves and the hive. There was a bit of running around to get animals and customers safe for about 10 minutes after which the bees went back to their hive to protect their queen.”
She says Charl Werth, the branch’s animal minder immediately started trying to help as animals as possible but got stung in the process. Some customers were also stung.
Arnold says they’ve followed up with those they’ve had the details of and all are fine.
“Our vet operating out of Blue Cross Animal Hospital guided us on the treatment of the other animals last night. We had a team of people stay behind to ensure the well-being of the animals. Two of the chickens sadly succumbed to the bee stings.
“A local professional removed all the bees on the same evening.
“The vet arrived first thing (the following) morning again to check up on the animals and treat those who needed it. The beekeeper was also back to ensure that all the bees have been responsibly relocated and that the area is safe for our animals, staff and customers.”
Their staff members who sustained multiple stings are also in good condition.
“They just need some rest to recover.”
