An ostrich at a zoo in Kansas, United States, has died prematurely due to health complications after swallowing a zookeeper's keys. Staff are "heartbroken by the loss of Karen." The announcement was made by the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center on social media. The five-year-old ostrich reached outside her exhibit, grabbed and swallowed the item. Zoo officials consulted with specialists across the US "to pursue both surgical and non-surgical intervention efforts to minimize the impact of the keys." However, "those efforts were not successful." Karen was ultimately euthanized last Thursday and "passed away in the arms of her Topeka Zoo family," interim Topeka Zoo Director Fawn Moser said in a statement, according to the Associated Press (AP). "We are heartbroken by the loss of Karen. She was not only an animal but a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts are with our dedicated animal care team who developed such a close bond with Karen during her time with us," the zoo said. The ostrich had been at the zoo since March 2023 and was known for her love of "playing in the water, splashing in her pool, and most of all being our 'dancing queen!'" Following the tragic incident, the zoo said "a thorough investigation has been conducted" and "appropriate action is being taken regarding the staff member involved." Additionally, it "will be reviewing and enhancing its protocols to strengthen safety measures" for its animals and will implement "rigorous protocols to protect them" from similar situations in the future. Read Also: 'Fatou', the world's oldest gorilla, celebrates 67 years. The images (Portuguese version)