The donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy’s iconic character in Shrek has died at the age of 30.
Perry, a miniature donkey, had been a star attraction at Bol Park in Palo Alto – in northwestern California – for almost 30 years before he was sadly euthanised on Thursday.
The beloved barnyard animal had been suffering from laminitis – a painful hoof disease which caused excruciating pain. He also had a disorder in his left hind leg which made it hard for Perry to stand.
His handlers tried multiple methods to ease his pain before it became apparent his condition was not improving.
Jenny Kiratli, the donkey’s handler, told Palo Alto Online that outside of his hometown Perry has an unlikely connection to one of Hollywood’s most famous movie franchises – Shrek.
One of the animators reportedly lived near Bol Park and was told by his wife to go and observe the donkeys in their enclosure to help bring Eddie Murphy’s character to life.
Perry (pictured), a miniature donkey, had been a star attraction at Bol Park in Palo Alto – in northwestern California – for almost 30 years before he was sadly euthanised on Thursday
Jenny Kiratli, the donkey’s handler, told Palo Alto Online that outside of his hometown Perry has an unlikely connection to one of Hollywood’s most famous movie franchises – Shrek where he was the inspiration behind the character of Donkey (pictured)
Perry moved to Bol Park in 1997 where he lived with two other donkeys, April and Buddy
The same man then returned with a group of fellow animators who spent hours with Perry.
The Sun reported that Perry’s influence on Donkey is clear with Ms Kiralti claiming the pair shared many of the same mannerisms.
Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world’s most famous animated characters, Perry reportedly received just $74 for the film – which also won the first ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature .
Ms Kiratli described his death as ‘the end of the era’ and ‘the loss of an icon’.
She said: In Perry’s last weeks, handlers spent many hours at the pasture with him, petting him, cradling him, singing to him, and telling him that he was and always will be loved.
‘We are all blessed for having known him and we will never, ever forget him.’
Perry moved to Bol Park in 1997 where he lived with two other donkeys, April and Buddy.
The animal’s status as a local celebrity was cemented after the Mayor of the city, Greer Stone, joined crowds of residents who flocked to the park to mark his 30th birthday in June
Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world’s most famous animated characters, Perry reportedly received just $74 for the film
Ms Kiratli said Perry was feisty and funny which is part of what made him so endearing to visitors.
The animal’s status as a local celebrity was cemented after the Mayor of the city, Greer Stone, joined crowds of residents who flocked to the park to mark his 30th birthday in June.
Palo Alto also contributed $10,000 last year towards his medical costs.
Donkeys typically live for between 25 and 30 years but have been known to live until into their 40s when giving the right care.
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