Topeka Zoo’s beloved ostrich dies after swallowing an employee’s keys

An ostrich named Karen had to be euthanized after she snatched and swallowed an employee’s keys, officials at a Kansas zoo said.

The “vibrant and beloved ostrich tragically succumbed to complications resulting from consuming a foreign object,” the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center said in a statement.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” said interim director Fawn Moser. “She wasn’t just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our dedicated animal care team, who have built a deep bond with Karen during her time with us.”

After moving in in March 2023, the flightless bird “became known for her water-loving habits like swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinkler and, best of all, our ‘dance queen!’ the zoo said, adding that “guests and staff alike formed a deep bond with her, captivated by her playful antics.”

Unfortunately, that sweet personality seems to have played a role in what happened to her.

“In this case, Karen reached beyond the fence of her exhibit to grab an employee’s keys,” the zoo said. “She immediately swallowed the keys.”

Consultations with experts from across the country followed, part of a frantic search for “surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys,” the zoo said. “Unfortunately, these efforts have not been successful.”

They had no choice but to euthanize their feathered friend, which they did on Thursday. Karen “died at the hands of the staff,” Moser said.

The tragic incident prompted a thorough investigation, followed by “appropriate action regarding the team member involved,” the zoo said, adding that it is reviewing and strengthening protocols to improve animal safety. More than 300 animals live on 35 acres at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center.

“The circumstances surrounding Karen’s death serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of vigilance and care in maintaining the safety of our animal residents,” the zoo said, noting that they had conducted a full investigation into what happened. “The Topeka Zoo remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all our animals by implementing strict protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.”

With News Wire services