A man was found dead inside an enclosure for kangaroos and wallabies in South Carolina on Friday at the family-owned 5 Star Farm.
The man was identified as 52-year-old Eric Slate, Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard told Newsweek via email on Sunday morning.
Newsweek has reached out to the Horry County Police Department via phone and the farm over email for further comment on Sunday outside of business hours.
The Context
The farm has a petting zoo that holds “educational and interactive” programs for families and children, according to its website.
In addition to wallabies and kangaroos, 5 Star Farm’s website advertises other exotic animals such as camels, zebras, llamas, and a zedonk, a combination of a zebra and a donkey. The farm also hosts more traditional farm animals like goats, sheep, donkeys and a miniature horse.
South Carolina is one of only three states where owning a kangaroo is not prohibited, according to Myrtle Beach Sun News.
What To Know
Willard told Newsweek that Slate was found with “multiple blunt injuries” inside the enclosure.
Robert Slate, a relative of Eric’s and the owner of 5 Star Farm, assumed responsibility for the death in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wishes to address a tragic incident involving a family member that occurred at the farm on the evening of 5/9/25. Horry County Coroner has ordered an autopsy to determine cause of death, due to the fact, the victim was found in an animal enclosure. The animal was not nor has been out of his secure enclosure. At this time we do ask, for respect and support for the family,” the statement reads.
Dennis DiSabato, a Horry County councilman, told local news station WBTW that a kangaroo was directly involved in the death.
WBTW reported that another councilmember, Mark Causey, said Slate would go into the enclosure and play rough with the kangaroo. He added that the animal has not been euthanized and is usually not aggressive.
Causey also told the news station that kangaroo experts were expected to come to the farm this week to inspect the enclosure.
The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) said on Saturday in a Facebook post that the animals at the petting zoo don’t present any further danger and that “there are a number of other animals at the incident location. All animals are accounted for and contained, and there is no risk to the community.”
What People Are Saying
Robert Slate, owner of 5 Star Farm, wrote in a post on Facebook: “The farm has been dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment for animals and visitors alike.”
What Happens Next
Willard said the cause of death for Slate will be determined after an autopsy is completed, telling Newsweek it will take about four weeks to get a final cause of death.
The investigation into the deadly incident will be handled by HCPD and it’s currently unclear if any charges are forth coming.
The post Kangaroo Kills Man at Petting Zoo appeared first on Newsweek.
