The bees that have become a nationwide curiosity have clearly weathered the harsh winter with only marginal losses.
Daniel Holstein, a volunteer beekeeper for the Bundestag, told the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday, “They’ve all survived the winter fairly well”.
Currently eight colonies live on the roof of the Jakob‑Kaiser‑Haus, located above the AfD offices. Holstein explained that losses are unavoidable, but the bees have huddled together during the cold months, and fortunately every colony still retains its queen.
As for this year’s honey harvest, no figures can yet be given, the beekeeper said. “It depends entirely on the weather” he added. Only in early July will the yield become clear. Last year the average harvest was roughly 40 kg of honey per colony. The idea of the Bundestag bees began in 2015 while Holstein worked as a staffer for the then‑Green MP Bärbel Höhn.
