Chilli was less than a week old when he began living at the Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Chard, England, in 1999 after being abandoned, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

"Although he weighs over a ton he is quite lean and not as fat as some of his companions. We don't know what has made him so tall," sanctuary manager Naomi Clarke said.

Clarke said Chilli is "very friendly and gentle," despite his intimidating stature.

The sanctuary has submitted their big-bovine claim to the Guinness World Records and is waiting to see if Chilli sets a record.