A man was discovered deceased with several blunt force trauma injuries inside a kangaroo and wallaby enclosure. He reportedly had a past of entering the area to engage in rough play 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 lost his life on Friday evening during a fatal encounter at 5 Star Farm, a petting zoo in South Carolina situated approximately 30 miles from Myrtle Beach, as reported by 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,” the Horry County Police stated in a Facebook update. “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.
