"Donkey Inspiring Shrek Character" Passes Away
The donkey that served as the inspiration for an animated character in the 2001 film Shrek has passed away at the age of 30. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Perry, the beloved donkey who inspired the character Donkey in the 2001 animated film Shrek, passed away at the age of 30 on Thursday.
The Barron Park Donkey Project in Palo Alto, California, reported that complications from laminitis, an incurable hoof disease, led to his passing. His caretakers confirmed that Perry was euthanized due to severe pain, as shared with Palo Alto Online.
“We are heartbroken with his passing, but recently he had been in increasing pain,” said Jenny Kiratli, Perry’s lead handler. “This was the right time [for him] to say goodbye although still too soon for us.”
Born in 1994, Perry was brought to Barron Park in 1997. In the late 1990s, animators from Pacific Data Images visited the area to study and photograph Perry, utilizing his likeness and movements to bring the iconic character to life, voiced by US actor Eddie Murphy, in the DreamWorks film.
Despite his substantial influence on the franchise, Perry reportedly received only a $75 donation for his pasture in return for his contributions, according to the Barron Donkey Project. He was not officially credited in the films.
The original Shrek, which premiered on May 18, 2001, earned over $3.8 billion globally and led to several sequels, securing its status as one of the most beloved animated film series. Notably, it won the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In addition to his famous film role, Perry was a cherished figure in the local community, often seen as a mascot for Palo Alto. He enjoyed visits from families and residents alike. In June 2024, the Palo Alto City Council recognized his cultural significance by allocating $10,000 for his medical care.
Typically, donkeys live between 25 to 30 years, though some can live up to 40 years with appropriate care.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
The Barron Park Donkey Project in Palo Alto, California, reported that complications from laminitis, an incurable hoof disease, led to his passing. His caretakers confirmed that Perry was euthanized due to severe pain, as shared with Palo Alto Online.
“We are heartbroken with his passing, but recently he had been in increasing pain,” said Jenny Kiratli, Perry’s lead handler. “This was the right time [for him] to say goodbye although still too soon for us.”
Born in 1994, Perry was brought to Barron Park in 1997. In the late 1990s, animators from Pacific Data Images visited the area to study and photograph Perry, utilizing his likeness and movements to bring the iconic character to life, voiced by US actor Eddie Murphy, in the DreamWorks film.
Despite his substantial influence on the franchise, Perry reportedly received only a $75 donation for his pasture in return for his contributions, according to the Barron Donkey Project. He was not officially credited in the films.
The original Shrek, which premiered on May 18, 2001, earned over $3.8 billion globally and led to several sequels, securing its status as one of the most beloved animated film series. Notably, it won the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
In addition to his famous film role, Perry was a cherished figure in the local community, often seen as a mascot for Palo Alto. He enjoyed visits from families and residents alike. In June 2024, the Palo Alto City Council recognized his cultural significance by allocating $10,000 for his medical care.
Typically, donkeys live between 25 to 30 years, though some can live up to 40 years with appropriate care.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
