It was known as the King of Bulls and was regarded as a hero of its village.
So it was only right that villagers in China gave this much-loved 28-year-old bull a funeral fit for a king.
Large crowds of villagers in Leishan county, Guizhou province, attended the funeral of the bull, which died on Sunday.
Respect: Ethnic Miao people held a grand ceremony to bury this 28-year-old 'Bull King' which died of old age on SundayWinner: The 28-year-old bull had won the title for its outstanding records in numerous local bull fights. It is pictured being buried Ceremony: Villagers are pictured carrying the bull through the village as part of its funeral procession Adored: The huge crowd of people are pictured following the bull, which won 11 championships before its retirement in 2009
The enormous bull was carried through the village with hundreds of ethnic Miao people following behind with colourful signs.
With the bull on the ground in the centre of the village, some of those attending the funeral performed dance rituals around its body.
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The bull was feted because of its outstanding records in numerous local bull fights.
The bull won 11 championships in bull fights before its retirement in 2009. Miao people are known to worship bulls.
Much-loved: The funeral was held in a village in Leishan county, Guizhou province. Ethnic Miao people are known to worship bulls
Funeral: The 'King of Bulls' died of old age on Sunday
Honoured: Many of those attending the funeral made colourful signs
Fascinating: Villagers perform dance rituals during the funeral
Unlike the bull fights which are famous in Spain, there are no matadors in Chinese bullfighting.
Instead, two bulls fight each other until the losing bull runs away.
One of the most famous bulls in China is called Optimus Prime.