Roger came to fame when a photo of him crushing a metal bucket like a paper cup went viral

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Roger, the beefcake boxing kangaroo who came to fame when a photo of him crushing a metal bucket like a paper cup went viral in 2015, has died at the age of 12.

The death of the male kangaroo, who weighed 89kg (14 stone) and stood more than 182cm (6 feet) tall, has sparked an outpouring of grief from his 1.3 million Facebook and Instagram fans.

“He always brought a smile to my face. Such a proud strong boy,” the Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia wrote.

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Roger was a joey when his mother was killed by a passing car near Alice Springs in 2006. His luck turned when Chris Barnes drove by and gave him a new home.

In a tribute video posted to Facebook, Barnes said Roger inspired him to build the Kangaroo Sanctuary to house the rapidly growing kangaroo and “a couple of his wives”.

Stephanie (@Hubba__Bubba) Rip to the world's most famous kangaroo :( my dreams of going to Alice Springs to see Roger are now shattered pic.twitter.com/x7sMmdYhJ2

mustain arif (@mustainbinarif) Roger, the internet famous bucket crushing kangaroo, has died pic.twitter.com/GzJDYcFCZo

Jenny Hallam (@72Hallam) RIP Roger the Roo. A stunning specimen of male macropod. Condolences to Brolga and all at the Kangaroo sanctuary in Alice Springs. He died of old age a happy, content and much loved roo. He will be missed 😭💚 pic.twitter.com/1i4WjsNpKu

“Roger was our alpha male for many years, and he grew up to be a kangaroo that people all over the world have grown to love as much as we love him too,” he said.

“So we’ll reflect on his life today and for many years to come. We’ve laid him to rest out here so he can always be with his family.”

The sanctuary often posted pictures and videos of Roger kickboxing and flexing his pecs. However, Roger mellowed in his old age, becoming less aggressive and letting Barnes and other sanctuary staff pat him.

“He lived a lovely long life and was loved by millions around the world,” Barnes said. “We will always love you and miss you Roger.”