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.
![[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 where he was the inspiration behind the character of Donkey (pictured)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/09/93751039-14251579-image-m-3_1736070207874.jpg)
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.
![[Perry moved to Bol Park in 1997 where he lived with two other donkeys, April and Buddy]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/09/93751031-14251579-image-a-4_1736070229352.jpg)
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 animal's status as a local celebrity was cemented after the Mayor of the city, Greer Stone, joined crowds of residents who flocked to the park to mark his 30th birthday in June]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/09/93751025-14251579-image-a-5_1736070232843.jpg)
Perry (pictured), 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. 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 where he was the inspiration behind the character of Donkey (pictured).
![[Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world's most famous animated characters, Perry reportedly received just $74 for the film]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/05/09/93751041-14251579-image-a-6_1736070244493.jpg)
