Perry, donkey behind 'Shrek' character, dies at 30

Perry, the donkey who served as the inspiration for Eddie Murphy's iconic character in the 2001 film Shrek, has passed away at 30. 

Jenny Kiratli, lead handler of the Barron Park Donkey Project where Perry had lived since 1997 announced its death. Beyond inspiring Eddie Murphy’s Donkey character in Shrek, Perry served as a beloved mascot for Palo Alto, California. Amid his declining health, the Palo Alto City Council allocated $10,000 for his medical expenses. Kiratli shared details of Perry’s final moments in a heartfelt statement.

 "We are heartbroken with his passing, but recently he had been in increasing pain, suffering from a condition known as laminitis which is not curable. This was the right time (for him) to say goodbye although still too soon for us,” it said in a statement. 

Perry, donated to Barron Park in 1997, was instrumental in bringing Donkey to life. Animators from Pacific Data Images (PDI) visited the park, taking photos and studying Perry’s appearance and movements to create the character’s animated counterpart in the 2001 blockbuster Shrek. 

Despite the film’s immense success — earning over $492 million globally, spawning a beloved franchise, and winning the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature — Perry was not credited in the film. Reports indicate the company made only a $75 donation to the park.

According to the Barron Park website, donkeys typically live 25 to 30 years in the wild but can reach their 40s with proper care. 

We will surely miss Perry who had been a part of our childhood.