Karen, the ‘lively and beloved’ ostrich at Topeka Zoo, dies after swallowing zoo worker’s keys

Karen, a “lively and beloved” ostrich who made her home at the Topeka Zoo, has died after swallowing the keys of a zoo employee, zoo officials said.

The untimely death was announced Friday by the Topeka Zoo after Karen “tragically succumbed to complications resulting from the consumption of a foreign object.”

“The circumstances surrounding Karen’s death serve as a solemn reminder of the importance of vigilance and care in maintaining the safety of our animal residents. In this case, Karen reached beyond the fence of her exhibit to grab an employee’s keys,” the Topeka Zoo said in their announcement. “She immediately swallowed the keys.”

Zoo officials consulted with experts across the country to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys, but these efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

“The Topeka Zoo remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all our animals and is implementing strict protocols to protect against such incidents in the future,” officials said.

Karen had been a “beloved resident” of the Topeka Zoo since Giraffe & Friends opened in March 2023, the zoo said. Karen was known for her water-loving habits “like swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinkler and, best of all, being our ‘dance queen,'” and the zoo said guests and staff were able to “build deep connections with her.” , fascinated by her playful antics.”

In the wake of Karen’s death, the Topeka Zoo said they have conducted a “thorough investigation” and are taking appropriate action regarding the team member involved.

The zoo also confirmed that it will review and enhance protocols to further strengthen safety measures for all its animal residents.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” said Fawn Moser, interim director of the Topeka Zoo. “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 zoo said, “The Topeka Zoo extends its deepest gratitude to the community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time.”