Donkey that inspired beloved Shrek character dies aged 30
Donkey that inspired beloved Shrek character dies aged 30
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Perry the donkey, the inspiration for Eddie Murphy’s character in the film Shrek, has died at the age of 30. The sweet-faced pachyderm was a miniature donkey born in 1994. He resided in Palo Alto, California, from the age of three, likely unaware that his likeness was used to inspire a beloved animated character in a hit franchise.
![[Donkey that inspired beloved Shrek character dies aged 30 Perry the donkey]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235007571-c41e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
According to Palo Alto Online, he died after battling a painful hoof disease called laminitis. San Francisco Bay Area website SFGate previously reported that Perry was sketched and photographed to assist animators with creating his animated likeness. He earned approximately £60 for his contribution the 2001 Dreamworks Animation hit.
It is unknown how Perry spent his paycheck, nor whether he was romantically inclined towards dragons with long eyelashes. The park announced Perry’s death in a statement on Instagram, sharing that they were ‘heartbroken’ over his passing. ‘He was a beloved member of our community and we know many people will be touched by his passing. Memorial plans will be announced soon,’ they wrote.
![[Donkey that inspired beloved Shrek character dies aged 30 Perry the donkey]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235007972-d19a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
San Francisco Bay Area website SFGate previously reported that Perry was sketched and photographed to assist animators with creating his likeness for the film. The tragic news comes amid reports that Shrek 5 is officially in development with a scheduled release date in 2026, Dreamworks Animation has announced.
