ControversyEdit
It has been disputed by fans whether or not Cranky Kong is truly the original Donkey Kong, and if he is DK's father or grandfather. The original versions of the Donkey Kong Country series indicated that Cranky is DK's grandfather, and that he was the star of the first Donkey Kong game. Donkey Kong 64 on the other hand, made by the same company, indicated that Cranky Kong was Donkey Kong's father. Later on, in the Mario Vs. Donkey Kong series, it stated that Donkey Kong has always been the main character. To add to this confusion, Donkey Kong's Super Mario Baseball bio claimed that Cranky Kong is an ancestor of his, and was the one who kidnapped Pauline. Also, if DK grew older to be Cranky, why didn't Mario grow older? The remake of Donkey Kong Country 3 stated that Cranky Kong's first starring-game would be a game called Cranky Kong Country, though he may have meant the first game he would be playable in, as the original Donkey Kong was never playable.
EvidenceEdit
In Yoshi's island 2, both Baby Mario and Baby DK are in the game. This is not possible if DK is DK Jr.(Mario being (seemingly) similar age to his current appearance but Donkey Kong much younger.)? Also, why did baby DK wear his logo and then change to a vest (DK Jr.) and then back to the logo.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Otacon stated that "the original" Donkey Kong is DK's grandfather. It is also plausible that like other animals, Kongs have different life spans than humans, making them age quicker.