An adored ostrich at a Kansas zoo has died after swallowing an employee’s keys

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A beloved ostrich at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in Kansas has died after swallowing an employee’s keys.

The zoo announced in a social media post on Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich named Karen had gotten past the gate of its exhibit and grabbed the employee’s keys and swallowed them. The staff consulted with experts across the US “to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful,” the zoo said.

Karen was euthanized Thursday and “died in the hands of staff,” Topeka Zoo interim director Fawn Moser said in an email.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Moser said in a statement. “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.”

The adored ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023. She was known for her love of playing in water “and, best of all, for being our ‘dance queen!’ to be,” the zoo said.

The zoo said it has investigated and is “taking appropriate action regarding the team member involved.” The zoo also said it would review and improve safety protocols for its animals.

According to the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center’s website, more than 300 animals are on display across 40 acres.

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