Perry, the miniature donkey who served as the movement model for Donkey in the Shrek franchise, has passed away at the age of 30. Jenny Kiratli, Perry’s handler, confirmed to PEOPLE that the beloved animal, who resided in a community pasture in the Barron Park neighborhood of Palo Alto, California, was euthanized on January 2 due to a prolonged battle with laminitis, a painful hoof condition.
“He was a cherished member of the community, and his loss is deeply felt by so many,” Kiratli shared, noting that Perry had been part of the pasture since 1997 when he arrived at the age of three. “The story goes that he was originally intended to calm polo horses, but his feisty nature made that impossible.”
Known for his vibrant personality, Perry was adored by countless children who visited him regularly. “They didn’t know he was the Shrek donkey; they just loved him as the little, fuzzy animal they could pet,” Kiratli said. However, she added, “I can attest that many of Donkey’s iconic head tilts, eye rolls, and bouncy trots in the films were straight from Perry.”
Perry lived alongside two other donkeys, April and Buddy, who were given the chance to say goodbye after his passing. “Throughout the night, they approached him, nosed him, and seemed to understand he was gone. They grieved,” Kiratli explained to Palo Alto Online.
Perry became the movement model for the Shrek character after a DreamWorks animator, who lived nearby, introduced him to the team. The animators spent hours observing Perry, capturing his mannerisms, which later became part of Donkey’s animated charm, famously voiced by Eddie Murphy.
The Barron Park community plans to hold a memorial for Perry, according to an announcement on the Barron Park Donkeys’ Instagram account. The pasture, which has housed donkeys since the 1950s, remains a beloved community-run initiative, with volunteers ensuring the animals receive daily care and attention.
“Parents and grandparents who visited the donkeys in their own childhoods now bring their kids to meet them. These animals are woven into so many lives,” Kiratli shared. She also highlighted the community’s dedication, with volunteers providing meals, care, and even Sunday walks for the donkeys.
Those wishing to support the Barron Park donkeys can contribute through donations.
Photo credit: People
