52-year-old Eric Slate Found Dead Inside a Wallaby and Kangaroo Enclosure

A tragic incident has left a family grieving after the body of 52-year-old Eric Slate was found inside a wallaby and kangaroo enclosure at his relative’s farm in Loris, South Carolina. The Horry County Police Department has opened an investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.

The Incident at 5 Star Farm

On the evening of Friday, May 9th, 2025, Eric Slate’s lifeless body was discovered in an enclosure at 5 Star Farm, which is located in Loris, South Carolina. The farm is known for its unique collection of animals, which include kangaroos and wallabies.

According to the Horry County Police Department, Eric was found in the same enclosure as the animals, which ranged in age. The police have labeled the investigation as “active and ongoing,” though they have not provided further details on the precise cause of death.

The 5 Star Farm, owned by Eric’s relative, Robert Slate, has previously been known for hosting public events, including pony and camel rides, nativity scenes, and even parties.

On their website, they proudly describe the farm’s variety of animals. However, the recent tragic event casts a shadow over the farm’s reputation, especially considering the nature of the animals involved.

Robert Slate expressed his grief in a statement, acknowledging that a “tragic incident involving a family member” had occurred. He requested privacy and support for the family during this difficult time.

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The details regarding the specifics of Eric Slate’s death remain unclear, and the police investigation continues. The only information released at this point is that the man had multiple blunt force injuries when found.

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The authorities have not yet confirmed the exact animal involved, but they described it as “non-domesticated.” While the animals at the farm may have been somewhat accustomed to human interaction, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain shrouded in mystery.

The Dangers of Kangaroos and Wallabies

Though kangaroos are often depicted as calm, gentle creatures, their size and strength should never be underestimated. Adult male kangaroos can grow up to 8 feet tall and weigh as much as 200 pounds.

With powerful limbs and muscular builds, they can be potentially dangerous when provoked or startled. Wallabies, though smaller, are also members of the kangaroo family and share many of the same traits that can make them difficult to handle in certain situations.

The cause of Eric Slate’s death has not been officially linked to an animal attack, but experts warn that wild animals, including kangaroos and wallabies, can be unpredictable.

These animals are used to grazing and can be fairly placid when left alone. However, when humans engage with them or provoke them in any way—whether by entering their enclosure or attempting to feed them—they can quickly become aggressive.

According to the government of Queensland, Australia, which provides resources on handling kangaroos, while the risk of an attack is small, it is still essential for humans to be cautious around these animals.

In fact, the government notes that large male kangaroos can become territorial and may engage in aggressive behaviors if they feel threatened. In some rare cases, these kangaroos have been known to cause harm to people who either accidentally encroach on their space or are seen as a potential threat.

Wallabies, while smaller than kangaroos, can also show aggression, particularly when they feel cornered or when they perceive humans as a danger to their territory or young. Wallabies are naturally solitary animals and might act out when forced into confined spaces with other creatures or when they feel their territory is being violated.

In Eric Slate’s case, it’s possible that the animals in the enclosure were startled, and this could have led to the fatal injuries. While this remains purely speculative, it’s not uncommon for these animals to react violently in situations where they feel they are being threatened.

Rare Incidents of Animal Aggression

Human deaths caused by kangaroos or wallabies are exceedingly rare, but they do happen on occasion. In general, kangaroos are not known to actively hunt humans or engage in unprovoked attacks. However, wild animals can become defensive or fearful when approached by humans, particularly if they are not used to being handled. This is why safety measures are crucial when working with wild or semi-wild animals such as kangaroos and wallabies.

For those who interact with kangaroos and other wild animals, it’s essential to recognize that these creatures, while appearing docile and often friendly, have instincts that can lead to violence under specific conditions. The most common reasons for aggression in kangaroos include the following:

1. Territorial Defense: Kangaroos, particularly males, are territorial creatures. They will often fight off perceived threats to their space or their herd, especially during mating seasons or when protecting their young.
2. Fear or Surprise: Kangaroos that are suddenly startled or provoked can lash out with their strong legs. Even when not actively seeking confrontation, an unexpected encounter can lead to aggressive behavior.
3. Defending Offspring: Female kangaroos and wallabies are fiercely protective of their young. If a human comes too close to their young, they may perceive the person as a threat and act in self-defense.
4. Hunger or Food-Related Aggression: Wallabies and kangaroos that are accustomed to being fed by humans may approach them expecting food. When this expectation is not met, they could grow frustrated and act aggressively.

While these incidents are uncommon, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of wild animals. Even animals that have been in captivity or have been accustomed to human presence can still exhibit aggressive behavior, especially when conditions change or they feel threatened.

The Way Forward

This tragic event at 5 Star Farm highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior and ensuring that adequate safety protocols are in place when working with wild animals. While Eric Slate’s death may have been an isolated and unfortunate incident, it also serves as a lesson about the unpredictability of wild animals, even those that have been raised in captivity.

For anyone involved in handling wild animals, particularly species like kangaroos and wallabies, it is critical to ensure proper fencing and enclosures to prevent close contact between the animals and people. Additionally, animal handlers should undergo thorough training to understand animal behavior, recognizing the signs of aggression, and knowing how to avoid risky interactions.

As the investigation into Eric Slate’s death continues, there will likely be more answers that shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragedy. For now, the Slate family has requested privacy and support as they process their loss. The farm itself, once a site of joy and family gatherings, is now the site of a tragedy that will linger long in the memories of those involved.