TOPEKA, Kan. − Karen, a 5-year-old feminine ostrich on the Topeka Zoo, recently died after grabbing and swallowing a workers member’s keys, the zoo introduced Friday.
Karen had lived within the zoo’s Giraffe & Buddies exhibit since March 2023, the zoo stated in a information launch despatched out by Jennifer Goetz, technique and artistic director for Compass Advertising & Promoting Companions.
The workers member’s identify wasn’t being made public.
“In gentle of this tragic occasion, the Topeka Zoo carried out an intensive investigation and is taking applicable actions relating to the staff member concerned,” Friday’s information launch stated. “Moreover, the zoo will likely be reviewing and enhancing its protocols to additional strengthen the protection measures in place for all its residents.”
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What occurred?
The circumstances surrounding Karen’s dying function a reminder of the significance of vigilance and care in sustaining the protection of the animals that reside on the zoo, stated Friday’s information launch.
“On this occasion, Karen reached past her exhibit fence to seize the keys of a workers member,” the information launch stated. “She instantly swallowed the keys.”
Zoo workers members consulted with specialists throughout the nation about what surgical and non-surgical steps might might be taken to reduce the affect of what had occurred, the discharge stated.
“Sadly, these efforts had been unsuccessful,” it stated.
‘Devastated by the loss’
Zoo friends and workers fashioned deep connections with Karen and felt captivated by her playful, water-loving antics, which included swimming in a pool, enjoying in a sprinkler and being a “dancing queen,” Friday’s launch stated.
“We’re devastated by the lack of Karen,” stated Fawn Moser, the zoo’s interim director. “She was not simply an animal; she was a beloved member of our neighborhood. Our ideas are with our devoted animal care staff, who fashioned deep bonds with Karen throughout her time with us.”
Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com.
This text initially appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka Zoo ostrich, Karen, dies after swallowing staff member’s keys