Social media sensation Gary the Goat, whose antics made millions smile around the world, has died, his owner has confirmed.

Gary, who had more than 1.7 million fans on Facebook, was touring Australia with his owner, comedian Jimbo Bazoobi, when he suffered a bleed from an acute heart tumour.

Mr Bazoobi, whose real name is James Dezarnaulds, confirmed the world’s most famous goat had passed away in a Facebook post, adding he “gave so much happiness to so many people”.

Gary the Goat’s meteoric rise to fame began when he started travelling around Australia performing stand-up comedy shows with his owner.

A Facebook page for Gary was launched in 2012 and notoriety followed a year later when Bazoobi was fined for allowing his goat to eat plants on public property.