Kangaroo Kills Man at Petting Zoo

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 4:29 pm

Kangaroo Kills Man at South Carolina Petting Zoo: Investigation Underway

A tragic incident at a South Carolina petting zoo has left a man dead after an encounter with a kangaroo. Eric Slate, 52, was found deceased inside the kangaroo and wallaby enclosure at 5 Star Farm in Horry County on Friday. Horry County Chief Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard confirmed the death and stated Slate suffered "multiple blunt injuries."

The family-owned farm, which offers "educational and interactive" programs, is home to a variety of animals, including kangaroos, zebras, camels, and more traditional farm animals. South Carolina is one of only three states where owning a kangaroo is not prohibited.

Robert Slate, the owner of 5 Star Farm and a relative of the deceased, addressed the incident in a Facebook post, expressing the family's grief and requesting respect. He stated the kangaroo remained within its secure enclosure. Local news reports indicate a kangaroo was directly involved in the death. Councilman Mark Causey mentioned Slate would sometimes "play rough" with the animal. The Horry County Police Department (HCPD) has assured the public that the other animals at the zoo pose no further danger. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, which is expected to take about four weeks. The HCPD is investigating the incident, and it's currently unknown if any charges will be filed.

BNN's Perspective: This is a heartbreaking situation. While the details are still emerging, it highlights the inherent risks involved in interacting with exotic animals, even in seemingly controlled environments. It's crucial to balance the desire for educational and interactive experiences with the safety of both humans and animals. The investigation should thoroughly examine the circumstances to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Keywords: kangaroo attack, petting zoo death, 5 Star Farm, Eric Slate, Horry County, South Carolina, kangaroo enclosure, animal attack, blunt force trauma, exotic animals, zoo incident, animal safety, petting zoo, kangaroo, wallaby, autopsy, HCPD, investigation, family tragedy, animal enclosure, South Carolina kangaroo laws

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