TOPEKA, Kan. \u2014 A beloved ostrich at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in Kansas has died after swallowing a staff member\u2019s keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The zoo announced in a social media post Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich named Karen had reached beyond her exhibit\u2019s fence and grabbed and swallowed the employee\u2019s keys. Staff consulted with experts around the U.S. \u201cto undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful,\u201d the zoo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karen was euthanized Thursday and \u201cpassed away in staff\u2019s hands,\u201d Topeka Zoo Interim Director Fawn Moser said in an email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are devastated by the loss of Karen,\u201d Moser said in a statement. \u201cShe was not just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our dedicated animal care team, who formed deep bonds with Karen during her time with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The adored ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023. She was known for her love of playing in water \u201cand, best of all, being our \u2018dancing queen!\u2019\u201d the zoo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The zoo said it undertook an investigation and \u201cis taking appropriate actions regarding the team member involved.\u201d The zoo also said it would review and enhance safety protocols for its animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is home to more than 300 animals exhibited throughout 35 acres, according to its website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n