Half a Million Bees Perish in Dutch Fire Incident.

A beekeeper from the Netherlands has voiced dismay after his 10 beehives were burned down in a park in the central city of Almere, resulting in the death of an estimated 500,000 bees.

The beekeeper mentioned that every colony contained a population of 40-60,000 bees, and the thought that anyone could destroy them was horrific.

"It is deeply painful that my ten colonies have died," he told local broadcaster.

Police in Almere, located to the northeast of Amsterdam, have appealed for observers after the arson attack on Tuesday night in the city's scenic Beatrixpark. They posted images of the blaze on social media.

The Netherlands authorities says that over 50% of the country's 360 species of bee are at risk of dying out, as the population of bees declines around the world.

Mr Stringer said that police had informed him an accelerant had been used to burn the hives, which were placed on pallets in a wooded part of the park.

Barely any of the insects made it through and he noted that he had doubt the perpetrator would be caught.

Fellow beekeeper Heleen Nieman stated on Dutch radio that she had three bee colonies and planned to donate a colony.

For Mr Stringer, who looked after the colonies for about nine years, the fire means building a fresh hive in the area from scratch.

But he insists he will continue his efforts.

Similar Incidents

• 'One Million Bees' Killed in Hives Arson Attack.