An ostrich died in Kansas after accidentally swallowing the keys from a staff member, the Topeka Zoo announced Friday.
An ostrich at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in Kansas died after accidentally swallowing a staff member’s keys, the zoo said in a Facebook post. Karen managed to pull the keys through the fencing of her enclosure and ingest them.
“Karen reached beyond her exhibit fence to grab the keys of a staff member. She immediately swallowed the keys. Zoo staff consulted with experts across the country to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys,” the zoo wrote.
The ostrich died despite extensive efforts by the zoo to save her. “We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Interim Director of the Topeka Zoo Fawn Moser said in the statement. “She was not 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.” (RELATED: Zoo Manatee Dies In Gay Incest Accident)
Karen had been a resident at the zoo since March 2023 and quickly became a favorite for her “playful antics” and her nickname, the “dancing queen,” due to her displays in water, Topeka Zoo wrote. Following the incident, the Topeka Zoo launched a full investigation and is updating its safety protocols to prevent future accidents. The zoo is also reviewing the involved staff member’s actions to ensure the safety and well-being of all its animals.