A beloved ostrich at Kansas’ Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center died after swallowing an employee’s keys.
The zoo announced in a social media post Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich, named Karen, reached over the enclosure fence, grabbed a staff member’s keys and swallowed them. The zoo said its staff consulted with experts across the United States and “used surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the effects of the lock, but unfortunately these efforts were not successful.” That’s what it means.
Topeka Zoo interim director Fawn Moser said in an email that Karen was euthanized on Thursday and “passed her last breath in the hands of our staff.”
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“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Moser said in a statement. “She was more than just an animal. She was a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our devoted animal, who formed a deep bond with Karen during her time with us. It’s in the protection team.
The Topeka Zoo has announced the death of beloved ostrich Karen. Karen died after grabbing a key belonging to an employee and swallowing it. In response, the zoo had to improve its safety procedures for all animals. (Blair Schmidt/Topeka Zoo, via AP)
The beloved ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023. She loved playing in the water, “and most of all, was known for being our ‘dancing queen!'” the zoo said.
The zoo said it has launched an investigation and is “taking appropriate action regarding the team member involved.” The zoo also said it would review and strengthen safety protocols for its animals.
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The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center features more than 300 animals on 35 acres (14.2 hectares), according to its website.
