Karen, a “vibrant and beloved ostrich” on the Topeka Zoo, died after swallowing keys she nabbed from a staffer, the zoo introduced on Fb final week.
In accordance with the zoo, Karen “reached past her exhibit fence” and received the keys off the staffer earlier than “instantly swallowing the keys.” The zoo tried each surgical and non-surgical fixes, however they have been unsuccessful. Karen, a 5-year-old, was euthanized on Thursday, The Related Press reported.
“We’re devastated by the lack of Karen,” mentioned Topeka Zoo interim Director Fawn Moser in an announcement. “She was not simply an animal; she was a beloved member of our group. Our ideas are with our devoted animal care staff, who fashioned deep bonds with Karen throughout her time with us.”
Brea Schmidt/Topeka Zoo through AP
Karen arrived on the zoo in March of final yr, when she grew to become a part of the newly opened Giraffe & Associates exhibit, the zoo mentioned. The zoo described the attraction as “an interdisciplinary multi-species exhibit that transports company to the Serengeti Plain”
The zoo mentioned Karen was “identified for her water loving habits, like swimming within the pool, taking part in within the sprinkler, and, better of all, being our ‘dancing queen!'”
“Zoo company and workers alike fashioned deep connections together with her, captivated by her playful antics,” the zoo added.
The zoo, situated in Topeka, Kansas, is dwelling to greater than 300 animals and sees about 250,000 guests per yr, in response to its web site.