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

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.

“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)

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.