He served as an ambassador for raccoons all over the world and wasn't phased by a stroll down the red carpet as Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy but now the heartbreaking news has come that Oreo the raccoon has passed away.

Oreo was the real-life inspiration behind Guardians of the Galaxy's Rocket Raccoon who was voiced by Bradley Cooper. Oreo helped animators capture the motion and behaviours used for Rocket Raccoon.

Quinta Layla, the group in Portugal who looked after Oreo posted the news yesterday on Facebook:

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Oreo made a red carpet appearance in 2014 when he walked down the red carpet with GOTG director, James Gunn.

According to Movie Web, Oreo's trainers were able to get him when he was first born because his mother could not produce milk.

They chose Oreo out of the litter because he was able to drink from a bottle before his siblings. Since then, he was a loyal companion and brought a lot of love and joy into the lives of others.

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James Gunn attending the premiere of Guardians Of The Galaxy at the Empire cinema in London with Oreo. Credit: PA

The Wrap reported that Rocket Raccoon was first created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen for Marvel Preview in 1976. His name was inspired by the 1968 Beatles' song 'Rocky Raccoon'.

He then appeared in the 2008 relaunch of the superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy and showed up next in the 2014 film, as well as the 2017 sequel and Avengers: Infinity War. He will next be seen in Avengers: Endgame.

Tributes have come flooding in on social media with one fan saying: "This is the most heartbreaking thing I've read in a long time. Oreo was an incredible personality, and you should be proud every time you think of him, for the home you gave him, the love he received and the experiences he gave everyone that came close to him.

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"He will never be forgotten in the hearts of my family, for the memories he, you and your whole team gave us."



Another added: "Rip Oreo. Your memory will live on in thousands of amazed kids and adults."

A third commented: "What an amazing animal and the legacy he leaves behind is unreal! Never could a raccoon have wanted a better life! Thoughts are with you. Run, play eat and love over the rainbow bridge".

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