Tens of thousands of honeybees that had been living inside the walls of a behavioral health clinic in Española, New Mexico, were safely relocated to a nearby bee farm earlier this month. The bees, which had been trapped within the clinic’s structure for several years, were removed on September 11 by a team of beekeepers working alongside staff from Serna Solutions, the clinic’s operator.

The bees were transported to Zia Queenbees Farm and Field Institute in Vadito, a facility specializing in the care and preservation of honeybee colonies. According to Justin Bailey, a licensed social worker with Serna Solutions, the colony had coexisted quietly within the clinic until its presence became noticeable, prompting a collaborative effort to address both the needs of the building’s occupants and the wellbeing of the bees.

Serna Solutions opened its Española location several months ago, and the discovery of the colony emerged during the course of their operations. The decision to relocate rather than eradicate the bees reflects ongoing concerns about environmental conservation and the critical role honeybees play in ecosystems.

The removal process was carried out carefully to ensure the safety of both the bees and clinic staff, highlighting an approach that balances public health considerations with wildlife preservation. The successful transfer to Zia Queenbees Farm allows the colony to thrive in a natural setting, where it can contribute to pollination and biodiversity in the region.

This incident underscores growing awareness about the importance of protecting honeybee populations amid widespread declines linked to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. By relocating the bees rather than destroying them, the clinic and community partners have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.