When an animated movie is created that has animal character actors the characters usually have their movements and facial expressions based on real animals. One of the most beloved animal characters of all time is that of ‘Donkey’ of the Shrek franchise, voiced by comedian Eddie Murphy.
Donkey was the wise-cracking yet thoughtful and kind sidekick of the ‘Ogre’ voiced by Mike Myers in the movies, and Murphy was nominated for a Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2002 for Shrek. In an Instagram post shared two days ago Barron Park Donkeys sadly announced that Perry the miniature donkey, who acted as the movement model for the character Donkey from the Shrek movies, has died at 30 years old.
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People Magazine has the sweetest exclusive with Perry’s handler, Jenny Kiratli, who explained that Perry lived in a community-run pasture in the Barron Park neighborhood of Palo Alto, Calif. — died on Thursday, Jan. 2. He was euthanized after a protracted struggle with a painful hoof disease known as laminitis.
“He was a part of the whole community, and everyone is mourning for him. So many people knew him,” Kiratli says of Perry’s legacy, before sharing that the donkey was brought to the pasture in 1997 at the age of 3. “The story that people tell is that he was meant to be a calming influence on polo horses — but he was feisty, so that didn’t work out.”
People are saddened in the comments by this news and are sharing their condolences. One person said, “all four years of high school I spent visiting Buddy, Perry, and, most recently April in-between classes and at lunch and really whenever I needed a break from the world. They were great comforts to me and I always enjoyed giving Perry a rub on the side of his face and seeing his inquisitive eyes gazing up at me before he wandered off to investigate some plants or bask in the sun. He will be missed by so many people.” Awwww! This donkey was loved by so many! Someone else added, “A treasured part of growing up in Barron Park has been the donkeys. Perry will be so missed- a beloved part of the community.”
How Perry got his big break
In the People Magazine article Kiratli recalled to the outlet how Perry came to be the movement model for the Donkey character, famously voiced by Eddie Murphy. She said one of Shrek‘s animators lived near Barron Park and knew about Perry through his wife. He then brought a team of DreamWorks animators to spend a few hours observing the animal. Rest in Peace, sweet Petty. Our hearts go out to everyone who loved him and cared for him.
People magazine also shared that those looking to support the Barron Park donkeys’ care can make a donation here.
