Perry, the miniature donkey thought to have inspired Eddie Murphy’s iconic Donkey character in the Shrek films, has passed away at the age of 30.
According to Palo Alto Online, Perry died after a battle with laminitis, a painful and often debilitating hoof disease. The beloved donkey, born in 1994, had been a cherished resident of Barron Park in Palo Alto, California, since he was three years old.
Barron Park expressed its sorrow over Perry’s passing in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram. “We are heartbroken at the loss of Perry,” the statement read.
“He was a beloved member of our community, and we know many people will be touched by his passing. Memorial plans will be announced soon.”
Perry’s presence in the park had made him a local favorite, bringing joy to visitors of all ages over the years.
The Shrek films, which debuted in 2001, were a massive success, with the first installment winning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
The movie tells the tale of a grumpy yet lovable ogre who embarks on an adventure with a humorous and talkative donkey named Donkey.
Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of the character brought humor and heart to the film, and Donkey quickly became one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
Reports from the San Francisco Bay Area website SFGate suggest that Perry may have been the model for Donkey in the Shrek films.
According to the site, Perry posed for photos and sketches to help animators capture Donkey’s distinctive features and mannerisms. For his role in inspiring the character, Perry was reportedly paid around £60.
Donkeys typically have a lifespan of 25 to 40 years, and Perry’s 30-year life was filled with love and care from the Barron Park community.
His passing marks the end of an era for those who admired him, both as a local treasure and as a potential part of cinematic history.
Perry will be remembered fondly for his charm, personality, and the joy he brought to countless people.
