Playful ostrich at Topeka Zoo in Kansas swallowed zookeeper’s keys, killing him

A five-year-old ostrich known for its lively personality has died after swallowing keys caught from an employee at the Topeka Zoo in the US. The Topeka Zoo is a medium-sized zoo in Topeka, Kansas and houses approximately 300 animals.

Karen, an ostrich known for her playful personality and love of water, was described by the zoo as a “vibrant and beloved member of our community.” The zoo announced the news of Karen’s death in a Facebook post last week.

Zoo officials said Karen reached across her exhibit fence and snatched the keys from a zookeeper, then promptly swallowed them.

Zoo staff tried to save her with surgery and medication, but Karen’s condition failed to improve and the difficult decision was made Thursday to euthanize her, the Associated Press reports.

Fawn Moser, interim director of the Topeka Zoo, said, “We are shocked by Karen’s death. She was not just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community.”

Karen arrived at the Topeka Zoo last March and immediately won over staff and visitors.

She is remembered for her “water-loving habits like swimming in the pool, playing in the sprinklers, and best of all, being our ‘dancing queen,'” the zoo said.

Karen was the star of the zoo’s Giraffe and Friends exhibit.

“Zoo guests and staff have been inspired by his playful antics and have developed deep bonds with him,” the zoo said in a statement.

According to its website, the Topeka Zoo, located in Kansas, is home to more than 300 animals and welcomes approximately 250,000 visitors annually.