The beloved miniature donkey known for inspiring DreamWorks' Shrek character, Donkey, Perry, has died at the age of 30. Perry, who enchanted the Palo Alto community and film fans worldwide, was euthanized due to a severe case of laminitis on January 2.
Perry's death marks the end of an era for the community-run pasture where he lived and served as an inspiration for animation artists, People reported.
Perry arrived at the community-run pasture in Barron Park, Palo Alto, back in 1997. At the tender age of three, Perry was initially intended as a calming force for polo horses, a role that his spirited personality did not quite fit.
Despite the early mismatch, Perry's unique characteristics soon found a perfect audience. His feisty nature and animated expressions did more than fail to soothe polo horses; they caught the eye of an animator living nearby, all of which would contribute to his enduring legacy in film.
Jenny Kiratli, Perry's dedicated handler, reminisced about how his personality exceeded the initial purpose, stating, “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.”
Perry was not just any donkey. His movements and mannerisms were closely observed by a DreamWorks animator who resided near his pasture. This animator brought a team to study Perry, leading to his motions being immortalized in the beloved character of Donkey from the Shrek movies.
Jenny Kiratli proudly noted, “I can attest that many of Donkey’s classic head tilts, eye rolls, and bouncy trots were straight from Perry." These traits endeared Perry not only to animation fans but also to local children and their families.
He was a staple in the community, where he lived with his fellow donkeys April and Buddy. Kiratli revealed, "He had a huge personality,” and added, “So many children came by all the time to see [him]. They don't know he’s the Shrek donkey. They just know he’s a little, fuzzy animal who they love to pet."
The impact of Perry’s passing was palpable not only among the park’s volunteers and visitors but also within his own donkey family. According to Kiratli, Perry's friends, April and Buddy, were given a chance to say their final goodbyes, displaying clear signs of grief. “Through the night, they were moving up, nosing in, understanding that he was gone. They grieved,” she recounted.
Perry's death has been deeply felt in the community, where he was considered much more than just the inspiration behind a famous animated character. Kiratli expressed the communal sorrow, saying, “He was a part of the whole community, and everyone is mourning for him. So many people knew him.”
To honor Perry's memory, plans are underway for a memorial service, details of which will be announced on the Barron Park Donkeys' official Instagram account. This will provide a space for the community and fans alike to celebrate the life and influence of this extraordinary donkey.
The pasture has been home to donkeys since the 1950s, evolving into a significant community-supported project. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining this tradition, providing meals, organizing activities, and ensuring the well-being of the donkeys that call this pasture home.
"There’s three dozen of us [volunteers],” Jenny stated, explaining the daily routines, “They [the donkeys] get breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They get a special walk on Sundays." This robust volunteer effort underpins the lasting community bond with the donkeys.
Jenny concluded with a reflection on the donkeys' generational appeal, saying, “We have some parents and even grandparents who bring their kids to see the donkeys, and they remember them from when they were young. They are part of so many people’s lives." This enduring engagement highlights the significant, multifaceted role that Perry and his peers play within the community.
In passing, Perry leaves behind a community enriched by his presence and a cinematic legacy that will continue to delight and inspire audiences around the world. His spirited trot and playful demeanor will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, either in person or through the silver screen.
