An adored ostrich at a Kansas zoo dies after swallowing employees member’s keys

A beloved ostrich on the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Middle in Kansas has died after swallowing a employees member’s keys.

The zoo introduced in a social media submit on Friday that the 5-year-old ostrich named Karen had reached past her exhibit’s fence and grabbed and swallowed the worker’s keys. Workers consulted with consultants across the U.S. “to endure surgical and non-surgical efforts to reduce the impression of the keys. Sadly, these efforts have been unsuccessful,” the zoo stated.

Karen was euthanized Thursday and “handed away in employees’s fingers,” Topeka Zoo Interim Director Fawn Moser stated in an e-mail.

“We’re devastated by the lack of Karen,” Moser stated in a press release. “She was not simply an animal; she was a beloved member of our neighborhood. Our ideas are with our devoted animal care crew, who shaped deep bonds with Karen throughout her time with us.”

The adored ostrich had been on the zoo since March 2023. She was recognized for her love of enjoying in water “and, better of all, being our ‘dancing queen!'” the zoo stated.

The zoo stated it undertook an investigation and “is taking applicable actions relating to the crew member concerned.” The zoo additionally stated it could evaluate and improve security protocols for its animals.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Middle is dwelling to greater than 300 animals exhibited all through 35 acres (14.2 hectares), in response to its web site.