Chris the sheep: World famous merino with record-breaking fleece dies

A sheep who shot to global fame for having the world's heaviest fleece has died.

Chris the sheep, who was discovered with the enormous fleece in 2015, died of natural causes at his animal sanctuary in New South Wales.

The merino sheep was found wandering the wilderness near Canberra by the Australian RSPCA four years ago.

He was believed to have been alone in the bush for six years without anyone to shave him.

The unmanageable length of Chris' 90lb fleece had left him at death's door, and he had to undergo a lifesaving shearing operation.

Australia's top shearer Ian Elkins smashed the world record for heaviest fleece by 60lbs when he shaved Chris.

When the operation was finished Chris had produced enough wool for 30 sweaters.

The merino sheep went from weighing 187lbs to weighing just 97lbs, almost half his original weight.

His story went viral, with pictures of Chris published in newspapers around the world.

He recovered quickly at Little Oak Sanctuary, a care facility for farm animals in need, and went from being shy and standoffish to first in line for head scratches.

Little Oak Sanctuary Vice-President and co-founder Kate Luke told the Canberra Times that Chris passed away on Tuesday morning of natural causes.

"He's been really happy and healthy recently. His death came out of the blue. His system just gave way", she said.

"He was coming up to 10 years, and generally sheep can live up to 12 years old.

"We found Chris on Tuesday morning when he didn't show up to get breakfast."

His fleece has been on display at the Natural Museum of Australia for several years.

A children's book telling Chris 'story has been written by the Australian RSPCA. Proceeds from its purchase go towards the animal rescue organisation