THE ashes of Derby's famous water buffalo are to be scattered in the field where he lived.
Oink, who was 22 and a popular figure with children and adults who visited him, had to be put down after suffering from illness.
Beverley Mee, the daughter of owner Katherine Moore, confirmed his field in Haslam's Lane, in Darley Abbey, would be his final resting place.
Beverley said: "He was a gentle giant. He was a lovely animal.
"He will never ever be replaced.
"He was an absolutely fantastic animal. Everybody loved him."
The two-tonne animal is believed to have been given his name after being raised in a field alongside pigs, which he used to imitate.
Oink attracted worldwide attention after being targeted by vandals, who had thrown bricks at him, laced his food with mustard, put detergent in his water and set fire to his hay.
CCTV cameras were installed in 2008 to protect him.
He had been suffering from arthritis and a long-term illness. His owner, Katherine, died just two months before.
Since Oink's death, tributes have poured in about the popular beast.
"I'm shocked with what has happened," said Beverley.
"I want to thank everybody over the years for all of their kindness and for giving food to him – all of the people at Chester Green who came to see him.
"I also want to thank Fes, from Park Farm Fruiters, in Allestree, and Lorna, from Mr Fruity, in Derby's Market Hall, for the food they have supplied him over the years.
"And I want to thank farmer Pete Just for all the straw and hay we bought for Oink each week.
"He was a big part of my life, for over 15 years.
"It seems so sad not to be going there to see him.
"My mum idolised him and loved him to pieces."
