Overview

• Eric Slate, the brother of 5 Star Farm's owner, died on May 9 inside a kangaroo and wallaby enclosure in Loris, South Carolina, with multiple blunt force injuries.
• Authorities are investigating the death as an apparent animal-related incident, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death.
• Slate reportedly had a history of entering the enclosure to 'roughhouse' with the kangaroo, which a local councilmember suggested was involved in the fatal encounter.
• All animals at the farm remain contained, posing no risk to the public, and experts are scheduled to inspect the enclosure's safety measures this week.
• South Carolina’s lack of restrictions on exotic animal ownership highlights broader concerns about petting zoo safety and regulatory oversight.