A five-year-old ostrich known for its lively personality died in the US after swallowing keys seized from a Topeka zoo employee. The Topeka Zoo is a medium-sized zoo in Topeka, Kansas and has about 300 animals.

Karen, an ostrich known for her playful personality and love of water, was described by the zoo as a “lively and beloved member of our community”. Zoo announced the news of Karen’s death in a Facebook post last week.

Zoo officials said Karen reached outside her exhibit enclosure and grabbed the keys from the zookeeper, then promptly swallowed them.

Zoo staff tried to save her with surgery and medication, but Karen’s condition did not improve, and the difficult decision was made Thursday to euthanize her, the Associated Press reported.

“We are devastated by the loss of Karen. She wasn’t just an animal; she was a beloved member of our community,” said Topeka Zoo Interim Director Von Moser.

Karen arrived at the Topeka Zoo in March of last year and quickly won the hearts of staff and visitors.

“She is fondly remembered for her water-loving habits like swimming in the pool, playing in the splash pad and best of all our ‘dancing queen’,” the zoo said.

Karen was the star of the zoo’s Giraffe and Friends exhibit.

“Zoo guests and staff alike are enthralled by his playful antics and form deep bonds with him,” the zoo said in a statement.

The Topeka Zoo, located in Kansas, is home to more than 300 animals and welcomes 250,000 visitors annually, according to its website.