‘Vibrant and beloved ostrich’ dies after swallowing zoo employee’s keys, says Kansas Zoo

Karen, a “lively and beloved ostrich” at the Topeka Zoo, died after swallowing keys she had taken from an employee, the zoo announced on Facebook last week.

According to the zoo, Karen “reached over the fence of her exhibit” and grabbed the keys from the employee before “immediately swallowing the keys.” The zoo tried both surgical and non-surgical solutions, but they were unsuccessful. Karen, a 5-year-old, was euthanized Thursday, The Associated Press reported.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Fawn Moser, interim director of the Topeka Zoo, 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.”

Karen arrived at the zoo last March, when she became part of the newly opened Giraffe & Friends exhibit, the zoo said. The zoo described the attraction as “an interdisciplinary, multi-species exhibit that transports guests to the Serengeti Plains.”

The zoo said Karen “was known for her water-loving habits, including swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinkler and, best of all, our ‘dance queen!’

“Both guests and zoo staff bonded deeply with her, captivated by her playful antics,” the zoo added.

Located in Topeka, Kansas, the zoo is home to more than 300 animals and attracts approximately 250,000 visitors per year, according to its website.