Ostrich dies after swallowing zoo worker’s keys | American news

Staff at the zoo in Kansas in the US say they are “devastated by the loss” of five-year-old Karen, after the bird reached over a fence to grab and swallow the keys.

A beloved ostrich has died after swallowing a zoo worker’s keys.

Staff at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center in the US said they were “devastated by the loss” of the five-year-old bird named Karen.

She had reached over a fence to grab the staff member’s keys and swallow them, the zoo said.

The staff consulted with experts across the US “to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts” in an attempt to save the ostrich, but were unsuccessful.

Karen was euthanized Thursday and “died in the hands of staff,” said Fawn Moser, the zoo’s interim director.

The Kansas zoo said the incident was investigated and “appropriate action was taken regarding the team member involved.”

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Ms Moser said.

“She wasn’t just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our dedicated animal care team, who built a deep bond with Karen during her time with us.”

The ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023.

She was known for her love of playing in water and “our ‘dance queen!'” according to the zoo.

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The zoo said it would review and improve safety protocols for its animals.

According to its website, the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is home to more than 300 animals.