I'd like to relate an incident that happened a couple of weeks ago to one of
our Associations here in 'A.m. scutalata' country.
Southerns Beekeeping Association annually holds a field day in the last week
of July or 1st week of August in the "bushveld" during the flow of Aloe
honey. The area is just north of the Magalisberg Mountains, 200 km north of
Johannesburg and 350 meters below.  It has a wonderful tropical climate, but
not much rain. (550 mm per annum)
This exercise is well worth the effort and it doesn't matter how many times
one has been to the aloes, there is always something to learn.  The pollen
is exceptionally bountiful and rich in nutrition and one can obtain a good
surplus of honey plus an increase in hive capacity. If one opened a strong
hive, at least 4 deep frames could be retrieved from the brood box,
containing only stored pollen. Many beekeepers will go into this area with
500 odd hives and walk out with 2000, provided there is no invasion of
external forces. Due to the popularity of the area, you can imagine it being
like a single apiary with 50 000 hives.
The bees become extremely chirpy, but if handled correctly can be kept under
control.  Most beekeepers are not concerned about the abnormal defences
behaviour as the "bushveld" is so far from any habitation. (This latter
remark is a perception only)
At the end of the field day, folk were packing up to leave when someone
noticed some strange behaviour deep in the "bush".  On investigation it was
noted that a few donkeys had been tethered to a tree with a cart attached
just off the dirt road.  Donkey carts are a common sight in the rural areas
and usually the only form of transport in the village.
The tree to which the donkeys had been strung too, was home to a colony of
bees.  The owners of the cart had evidently been taking a drive when they
were attacked by some bees along the way.  They then tied the donkeys so
that they wouldn't loose their wheels and ran off for cover.  When the
beekeepers arrived, there was no more sign of aggression from the colony as
the bees had most likely decimated their working force during the frenzied
stinging of the donkeys.  One donkey had already circumed from the literal
thousands of stings.
The Chairman of the Association (Joe Hugill) had some antihistamines which
he forced down the donkeys' throat while one of the other stronger
beekeepers loosened the donkeys from their thongs.  The conscious donkeys
pranced away immediately they felt free. The donkey which had passed out was
dragged out into the road well away from the tree.
Joe returned to group of beekeepers and asked if anyone had adrenalin.  One
beekeeper did and so Joe returned to give the poor donkey some medication.
It would have taken over 20 minutes for Joe to return to the spot where the
donkey was left, so Joe was expecting to find vultures enjoying a meal.
Instead there was nothing.  The donkey had revived from the antihistamines
and bolted.

Hope you enjoyed that one.
Eddy Lear
South Africa