TOPEKA, Kansas. –
A beloved ostrich at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center in Kansas died after swallowing a staff member’s keys.
The zoo announced in a social media post Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich named Karen had crossed the fence of its exhibit and grabbed and swallowed the employee’s keys. The staff consulted with experts across the United States “to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of braces. “Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful,” the zoo said.
Karen was euthanized Thursday and “passed away in the hands of the 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 formed deep bonds with Karen during her time with us.”
The beloved ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023. She was known for her love of playing in the water “and, best of all, for being our ‘prom queen,’” the zoo said.
The zoo said it conducted an investigation and “is taking appropriate action regarding the team member involved.” The zoo also said it would review and improve safety protocols for its animals.
The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center houses more than 300 animals on display on 35 acres (14.2 hectares), according to its website.