A tragic incident at a South Carolina petting zoo has raised concerns about animal safety and human interactions with exotic wildlife. Authorities reported that Eric Slate, 52, the brother of the petting zoo owner, was allegedly beaten to death by a kangaroo after he reportedly entered its enclosure to “roughhouse” with the animal. His body was discovered late Friday night at 5-Star Farm, located near Loris, about 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach.
According to local council member Mark Causey, Slate had a history of interacting physically with the kangaroo and was apparently doing so at the time of his death. “It just went south,” Causey said, indicating that something unexpected happened during the encounter. The nature of the injuries Slate sustained—described as multiple blunt force injuries—raises questions about how the altercation escalated.
The kangaroo, which remains in its enclosure, is suspected to be a large red kangaroo known to have substantial strength. These adult male kangaroos can weigh up to 200 pounds and reach heights of nearly six feet, equipped with powerful legs capable of inflicting serious harm. While Slate’s exact cause of death has not yet been determined, the physical capabilities of these animals cannot be overlooked.
The farm, which features a variety of exotic animals such as camels and wallabies, had previously promoted a kangaroo named Mr. Jack, noted for being friendly and interactive with visitors. “He loves neck scratches and will take treats from your hands,” the farm had stated in a recent social media post. The juxtaposition of this friendly description against the tragic outcome has shocked the community and raised questions about the safety protocols in place at the facility.
As reported, the owner of 5-Star Farm, Robert Slate, is grappling with the shock of the incident. In a Facebook post, he requested the public to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Causey emphasized that the kangaroo involved in the incident is not known to be aggressive, stating, “It’s very sad… It was not the animal’s fault.”
In the wake of the incident, experts will be assessing the safety of the kangaroo enclosure, ensuring that future interactions between humans and the animals are secure. The event has opened discussions about the regulatory framework governing the ownership of exotic animals in South Carolina, a state known for having some of the loosest restrictions in the country. Currently, South Carolina is one of only three states that does not prohibit the ownership of kangaroos.
This incident is reminiscent of past events, including a tragedy in Western Australia in 2022, where an elderly man was reportedly killed by his pet kangaroo. That event marked an alarming precedent, as it was believed to be the first fatality involving a kangaroo in nearly 90 years.
The local community is left reeling as they come to terms with the implications of this incident. While the authorities continue their investigation, the conversation surrounding the safety of exotic animal ownership and the interactions between humans and these animals has become increasingly urgent. Further developments regarding the safety measures at 5-Star Farm and the status of Mr. Jack are eagerly anticipated.