Snafu the Great
There are actually two Donkey Kongs in Nintendo history.
Donkey/Cranky Kong
Grandfather (retconned to son) of the current Donkey Kong, Cranky was in fact the original DK in which as he states in Donkey Kong Country 2, was "whisking away maidens and throwing barrels." In other words, he was the original protagonist that Mario (known as Jumpman) had to face in order to save Pauline.
Donkey Kong
Son to Cranky, he is portrayed as a powerful, yet lazy and laid-back ape who was more interested in lounging than heroics, and as such was constantly vilified by Cranky and his peers. With his sidekicks Diddy and Dixie, he remains a thorn in the evil King K. Rool's side.
Donkey/Cranky Kong
Grandfather (retconned to son) of the current Donkey Kong, Cranky was in fact the original DK in which as he states in Donkey Kong Country 2, was "whisking away maidens and throwing barrels." In other words, he was the original protagonist that Mario (known as Jumpman) had to face in order to save Pauline.
Donkey Kong
Son to Cranky, he is portrayed as a powerful, yet lazy and laid-back ape who was more interested in lounging than heroics, and as such was constantly vilified by Cranky and his peers. With his sidekicks Diddy and Dixie, he remains a thorn in the evil King K. Rool's side.