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).
Donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy's character in Shrek dies at the age of 30 - as handlers mourn the passing of 'an icon' 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.
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.
He also had a disorder in his left hind leg which made it hard for Perry to stand.
