SYDNEY (REUTERS) - An Australian sheep who made headlines in 2015 for the record-breaking weight of his fleece has died, according to the carers of the Merino named Chris.

The animal, believed to be aged about 10, was found dead on Tuesday morning (Oct 22) by his minders, having died of old age, said Ms Kate Luke, co-founder and vice-president of the Canberra-based Little Oak Sanctuary, a charity that shelters more than 180 farm animals.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, wise, friendly soul. Chris is known as the world record holder for having grown the heaviest fleece on record," the sanctuary said in a Facebook post.

"He was so much more than this, so very much more, and we will remember him for all that he was - someone, not something."

In 2015, Chris the sheep was discovered on the northern outskirts of Australian capital Canberra, struggling to walk under the weight of his wool, which had not been shorn in more than five years.

The 40.2kg of wool removed from Chris in 2015 - worth about US$413.60 (S$563) at current prices - made him the unofficial carrier of the world's heaviest fleece, dethroning New Zealand sheep Big Ben, who was found carrying nearly 29kg of wool in 2014.