Man mauled to death by kangaroo after entering enclosure at South Carolina petting zoo
A 52-year-old South Carolina man, Eric Slate, was found dead inside an animal enclosure containing kangaroos and wallabies at a petting zoo near Loris, Horry County authorities confirmed.
According to the Horry County Police Department, Slate’s body was discovered on Friday evening, May 9, at 5-Star Farm, located off Highway 746.
An autopsy revealed he died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Slate was reportedly a relative of the zoo’s owner. Local officials said a kangaroo was directly involved in the fatal incident. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the authorities are treating it as an animal-related death.
The farm had previously shared images of a kangaroo named Mr. Jack, described as friendly and fond of neck scratches and treats. It is not yet confirmed if Mr. Jack was involved in the attack.
All animals at the site have been accounted for and secured, and the police assured the public that there is no threat to the community.
Investigations into how and why Slate entered the enclosure are ongoing, and no legal actions have been announced so far.
