Perry, the miniature donkey who served as the inspiration for Eddie Murphy’s character in the beloved “Shrek” franchise, has passed away at the age of 30. The news of Perry’s passing was shared by Barron Park Donkeys in Palo Alto, California, where he had resided and worked as a model for animators at DreamWorks.
The announcement of Perry’s death was made on Friday via an Instagram post by Barron Park Donkeys, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of their cherished member. Perry had been a beloved figure in the Barron Park community since 1997 when he first arrived at the Bol Park pasture.
Jenny Kiratli, Perry’s handler, revealed to Palo Alto Online that Perry had been battling a severe hoof disease known as laminitis, which had caused him excruciating pain in his left hind leg. Despite months of intensive treatment, including acupuncture, massages, laser therapy, and pain medication, Perry’s condition did not improve, ultimately leading to the difficult decision to euthanize him.
Kiratli shared that after Perry’s passing, they allowed him to remain in the pasture for several hours so that his fellow donkey companions, April and Buddy, could come to terms with his absence. She described how the remaining donkeys seemed to understand and mourn the loss of their friend, highlighting the bond they shared with Perry.
The care and medical expenses for Perry and his companions April and Buddy reportedly amounted to $25,000 annually for local taxpayers, with an additional $15,000 incurred in 2024 due to Perry’s medical treatments. Palo Alto Mayor Greer Stone successfully advocated for an extra $10,000 in funding to support Perry’s care the previous year.
Mike Holland, a former handler of Perry, recalled how the donkey had found a new role as a “movie star” when he became the muse for animators working on “Shrek.” Despite being compensated a modest fee for his participation, Perry’s impact on the film was immeasurable, with Kiratli noting the significant influence the real-life donkey had on the character of Donkey in the animated movie.
Following the news of Perry’s passing, tributes and condolences poured in on social media, with many expressing their sadness over the loss of the iconic donkey. Fans and supporters remembered Perry’s contributions to the entertainment industry and suggested honoring him in future productions related to the “Shrek” franchise.
As the community mourns the loss of Perry, his legacy as a symbol of resilience and friendship lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Perry’s memory will continue to inspire and bring joy to all those whose lives he touched during his time at Barron Park.
