Posted on 01/06/2025 4:16:06 AM PST by Morgana
The donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy's iconic character in Shrek has died at the age of 30.
Perry, a miniature donkey, had been a star attraction at Bol Park in Palo Alto - in northwestern California - for almost 30 years before he was sadly euthanised on Thursday.
The beloved barnyard animal had been suffering from laminitis - a painful hoof disease which caused excruciating pain. He also had a disorder in his left hind leg which made it hard for Perry to stand.
His handlers tried multiple methods to ease his pain before it became apparent his condition was not improving.
Jenny Kiratli, the donkey's handler, told Palo Alto Online that outside of his hometown Perry has an unlikely connection to one of Hollywood's most famous movie franchises - Shrek.
One of the animators reportedly lived near Bol Park and was told by his wife to go and observe the donkeys in their enclosure to help bring Eddie Murphy's character to life.
The same man then returned with a group of fellow animators who spent hours with Perry.
The Sun reported that Perry's influence on Donkey is clear with Ms Kiralti claiming the pair shared many of the same mannerisms.
Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world's most famous animated characters, Perry reportedly received just $74 for the film - which also won the first ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature .
Ms Kiratli described his death as 'the end of the era' and 'the loss of an icon'.
She said: In Perry's last weeks, 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
THEY ALSO can be used to guard sheep.
THEY will chase off coyotes.
I had a coworker whose personality was exactly like the Shrek Donkey. When that movie came out we immediately thought of him. I was always amused by his antics but he drove few of our humor impaired staff nuts.
Wow! I hadn‘t been aware of that. They are even smartter than I thought - and kicks from a donkey are nothing to sneer at.
Dear sheepdogs on my farm, you may enter your well-earned retirement. A group of donkeys will succeed you on your post in guarding the herd🙂
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