The donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy’s iconic character in the Shrek franchise has died aged 30
The donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy’s iconic character in the Shrek franchise has died aged 30.
Named Perry, the miniature donkey was born in 1994 but died after battling a hoof disease called laminitis, as reported by Palo Alto Online. Perry lived in Palo Alto, California, from when he was three years old. The San Francisco Bay Area website, SFGate, previously stated that Perry was sketched and pictured to help animators with creating Donkey from Shrek.
Perry even earned a well-deserved £60 for his important contribution to the film franchise. The park where he lived paid tribute to the donkey in a sweet statement shared on their official Instagram page. “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away yesterday at the age of 30,” they said.
“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.” Perry’s biggest fans were heartbroken by the news and took to the comment section to pay tribute to the donkey.
“I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you to all the handlers and caretakers of these beautiful creatures. Rest easy dear Perry,” one user said and another devastated fan posted: “What an honor it was to be your Monday walker for this past year, Perry. You brought so much joy and light to all who you encountered. You will be dearly missed.”
Another person called him a ‘great donkey’ and posted: “So heartbroken to read this I always stop and say hi to the donkeys on my work trips back to the bay area. No matter what kind of day I was having, just seeing Perry and getting to scratch is head made me feel 10x better. You were a great donkey and you will be sorely missed by many.”
In the tribute, the park also said Perry “captured the hearts of the Barron Park community and far beyond with his beautiful soulful eyes, his sweet and gentle disposition, his amiable stroll to the pasture gate to greet his visitors, and of course his contribution to the movie Shrek.”
“Perry delighted the neighbourhood over the years with his frequent appearances at Barron Park community events and his daily walks along the bicycle path, most recently with his companions Buddy and April,” they wrote.
“We are all filled with sadness at his passing, but in his last weeks he was in pain and was suffering increasingly from a condition known as laminitis which is not curable. In Perry’s last weeks, all of the 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.”
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