"Vibrant and beloved ostrich" dies after swallowing zoo staffer's keys, Kansas zoo says

Karen, a "vibrant and beloved ostrich" at the Topeka Zoo, died after swallowing keys she nabbed from a staffer, the zoo announced on Facebook last week.

According to the zoo, Karen "reached beyond her exhibit fence" and got the keys off the staffer before "immediately swallowing the keys." The zoo tried both surgical and non-surgical fixes, but they were unsuccessful. Karen, a 5-year-old, was euthanized on Thursday, The Associated Press reported.

"We are devastated by the loss of Karen," said Topeka Zoo interim Director Fawn Moser in a 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."