The zoo says it is deeply saddened by the loss of the animal. Karen was “a lively and beloved ostrich,” the Topeka Zoo wrote. “Karen was known for how much she loved playing in the water. She enjoyed swimming in the pool, playing under the sprinkler and was known above all as our dancing queen. Karen had a deep bond with both our staff and visitors.”
Completely gutted
“We are completely devastated by the loss of Karen,” the zoo director said. “She was not just an animal, but an important and beloved part of our community.”
The zoo says the “tragic incident” once again shows how important it is for the animals’ caretakers to proceed with caution.
Rescue attempts in vain
The ostrich reached with her neck outside the enclosure where the keeper was standing. Almost immediately after the animal took the bunch of keys, she swallowed them too. Several experts from the US have tried in various ways to save the animal, but in vain.
In the statement, the zoo indicates that it is conducting further investigation into how the incident could have happened. It also introduces new measures to prevent these types of accidents in the future.
