Yesterday I discovered a bumble bee on the inside of the window frame. It was very still and I guessed that it had been there for some time. I scooped it onto a piece of paper and took it outside, placing it on the grass where it seemed in danger of falling over.
Now, the question is, what can one do to give first aid to a bumble bee? In the kitchen I found two vital pieces of equipment, an ancient box of cocktail sticks and a jar of honey. By dipping item A into item B, I took the sticky stick outside and placed it on the grass beside the bee.
There followed one of those moments when you realise that you have done something amazing and made contact with a fellow being in distress. The bee staggered towards the cocktail stick and began to lick up the honey. I could almost feel its relief, its sense of having been rescued and living to fight another day - or even flight another day.
My sense of wellbeing following this small act stayed with me all day. I guess that an elephant and a bumble bee both experience all the fundamental feelings that go with staying alive.
Thought for the day, be kind to elephants and insects!
