The source of inspiration for the popular character ‘Shrek’ dies at the age of 30

The real-life model of a beloved character in the original “Shrek” film has died.

Perry, the donkey who was the model for the animated film character voiced by Eddie Murphy, passed away at the age of 30 due to an incurable condition.

“Shrek” was a successful movie that grossed over $492 million worldwide, making it 2021’s fourth highest-grossing film.

Perry died on Thursday night after suffering from laminitis, a terribly painful hoof disease.

Aside from the pain caused by the condition, Perry also had a disorder in his left hind leg, making it challenging for him to use it. Consequently, he frequently kept that leg raised, putting extra strain on his right leg.

Jenny Kiratli, Perry’s caretaker, revealed in a statement to Palo Alto Online that “he had been standing on three legs and keeping one lifted for about a month.”

According to her, many staff at Bol Park donkeys, where Perry spent his final days, had tried several methods to ease his pain. However, their efforts yielded no positive results, leading them to euthanize the beloved donkey.

Kiratli mentioned that Perry’s death was peaceful as he was constantly surrounded, with over a dozen handlers with him when he died.

They shared a photo of his obituary and a statement detailing his life and final days.

The post’s caption read, “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away yesterday at the age of 30. 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.”

Many fans commented on the post, expressing their sadness at Perry’s passing. One person wrote, “We loved so much seeing Perry on our visits to Bol Park. Rest in peace.”

Another fan wrote, “Rest in Peace Perry. My brother and I would visit and call for him every time we visited our grandparents in Palo Alto. Such a kind soul.”

A third person added, “Rest in paradise Perry. You were the sweetest and I’ll cherish our encounters forever.”

Kiratli said Perry was a feisty and funny donkey who enjoyed playfully nipping occasional visitors in the butt.

Perry’s playful nature and decades of entertaining visitors endeared him to the local community.

The Palo Alto City Mayor, Greer Stone, and other dignitaries visited Bol Park in June 2024 to celebrate the late donkey’s 30th birthday.

Palo Alto also contributed $10,000 in 2024 to cover Perry’s medical bills.

Kiratli also detailed how Perry became the face of the donkey in “Shrek.” She revealed that one of the film’s animators lived near Bol Park.

The animator’s wife knew he was working on a donkey character for a new movie and directed him to the park’s donkey pasture. Afterward, the animator brought a team to the park to spend a few hours with Perry, who would have undoubtedly left a great impression on them.

Perry had his way with people and had a way of lifting their spirits and bringing them joy.

Karen Holman, a former Palo Alto mayor and long-time champion of Bol Park donkeys, shared her experience with Perry.

She told Palo Alto Online, “My particular experience with Perry is that he seemed to kind of understand when you were having a bad day.”

Holman recalled a time when Perry ran from his pasture area to greet a man standing at the gate. On getting to the man, the donkey buried his head in his chest. Later, Holman realized the man was one of Perry’s handlers.

In “Shrek,” Donkey was a talkative character, who Shrek saved from Farquaad’s guards. Following the rescue, they became friends and traveled to Duloc together.

Shrek and Donkey undergo and overcome several challenges, with the latter proving pivotal in helping his friend marry the love of his life, Princess Fiona.

“Shrek” was highly praised by critics and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It won the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

After the first movie’s success, three sequels, “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third,” and “Shrek Forever After” were released.

Additionally, two spinoffs, “Puss in Boots” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” have been released.