An adored ostrich at a Kansas zoo dies after swallowing workers member’s keys | EUROtoday

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A beloved ostrich on the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in Kansas has died after swallowing a workers 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. Staff consulted with specialists across the U.S. “to undergo surgical and non-surgical efforts to minimize the impact of the keys. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful,” the zoo stated.

Karen was euthanized Thursday and “passed away in staff’s hands,” Topeka Zoo Interim Director Fawn Moser stated in an e mail.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen,” Moser stated in a press release. “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.”

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

The zoo said it undertook an investigation and “is taking appropriate actions regarding the team member involved.” The zoo additionally stated it could assessment and improve security protocols for its animals.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is house to greater than 300 animals exhibited all through 35 acres (14.2 hectares), in line with its web site.