Man found dead in kangaroo, wallaby enclosure reportedly had ‘history’ of playing rough with animal

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Man found dead in kangaroo, wallaby enclosure

Officials said a 52-year-old man was found dead with multiple blunt force injuries in a kangaroo and wallaby enclosure in South Carolina. (Credit: WFXB/WBTW)

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A man found dead with multiple blunt force injuries in a kangaroo and wallaby enclosure reportedly had a “history” of entering the space to play rough with one of the animals.

The man — identified by officials as 52-year-old Eric Slate — was a relative of the animal’s owner. 

He was killed on Friday evening in the fatal encounter that took place at 5 Star Farm, a South Carolina petting zoo located around 30 miles from Myrtle Beach, according to Fox Carolina. 

The animal believed to be responsible for Slate’s death has not been euthanized, Horry County Councilmember Mark Causey told News13.

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FILE – A man found dead with multiple blunt force injuries in a kangaroo and wallaby enclosure reportedly had a “history” of entering the space to play rough with one of the animals. (iStock)

The 5 Star Farm petting zoo — which has events listed on its website dating back more than 15 years — features animals like camels, ponies, llamas and more, according to its website.

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“The animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure,” Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wrote on Facebook. “At this time we do ask for respect and support for the family.”

The man, reportedly identified by officials as 52-year-old Eric Slate, was a relative of the animal’s owner.  (WFXB/WBTW)

The investigation is currently ongoing, and an autopsy has been ordered, according to Horry County Police.

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“There are a number of other animals at the incident location,” Horry County Police said in a Facebook post. “All animals are accounted for and contained, and there is no risk to the community.”

The petting zoo appears to have been in operation for more than 15 years. It has animals like camels, ponies, llamas and more, according to its website. (WFXB/WBTW)

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The Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Coroner’s Office and 5 Star Farm did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Sophia Compton is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.