The incident occurred when Karen, a beloved member of the zoo community known for her playful antics and昵称as the“dancing queen,” managed to reach beyond her exhibit fence and grab the keys of a staff member. She immediately swallowed the keys, prompting an immediate response from zoo staff who consulted with experts across the country to explore both surgical and non-surgical options to mitigate the impact of the keys.
Zoo staff worked tirelessly to save Karen, but despite their efforts, she ultimately succumbed to the complications caused by the ingested keys. The Topeka Zoo is deeply saddened by the loss of Karen, who had been a resident at the zoo since March 2023 and had quickly become a favorite among visitors and staff alike.
Following the tragic incident, the Topeka Zoo has launched a full investigation and is updating its safety protocols to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The zoo is also reviewing the actions of the staff member involved to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals in its care. The Topeka Zoo extends its heartfelt condolences to the animal care team who had developed deep bonds with Karen during her time at the zoo.
