Mr Oreo the Raccoon, who served as the model for Guardians of the Galaxy character Rocket, has died aged 10.
The much loved animal, who appeared on the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of the film with director James Gunn, passed away after a short illness.
Bradley Cooper voices the animated raccoon in the Marvel blockbuster.
His owner, Quinta Layla, posted a heartfelt tribute to the raccoon on Facebook.
She wrote: “Our hearts are broken as we have lost our best friend, our Guardian of our Galaxy Mr Oreo Raccoon.
“Oreo passed away in the early hours of this morning after a very short illness. Many thanks to our wonderful vets for their compassion and care.
“Oreo you made so many people’s lives happy. You have been an amazing ambassador for raccoons everywhere.
"You loved all people of all ages and other animals too and were never phased by anything be it a walk down the red carpet as Rocket Raccoon, a trip to a hospice to visit a sick child or anything else that came your way. You just enjoyed everything and it showed.
"You instinctively knew when to calm, when to be bouncy and we never worried that you would do the wrong thing because you never did. You were perfect."
Fans flocked to social media to mourn the beloved raccoon, who they labelled a "legend."
