The first Shrek film, released in 2001, features not only the ogres Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) but also the character Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy.
It’s been suggested that Perry, the real donkey, served as inspiration for Murphy’s portrayal of Donkey.
Perry was initially brought to California in 1997 to serve as an emotional support animal for polo ponies, but according to the Barron Park Donkey Project website, “instead of calming them, he nipped at them.”
He was then relocated to Barron Park, where in 1999, animators from Pacific Data Images—a local company working for DreamWorks on the 3D animation—visited to observe Perry.
The animators reportedly studied Perry’s movements and gait to understand how donkeys move.
“Unfortunately, although Donkey was a hilarious and well-loved star in Shrek, Perry is not mentioned in the movie credits,” the Barron Park Donkey Project website states.
The Barron Park Donkey Project announced that Perry has passed on to new pastures.
On January 4, Barron Park Donkeys shared the news of Perry’s death on Instagram. The post reads: “In loving memory Perry. June 1994 – January 2, 2025.
“Perry came to the Barron Park donkeys in 1997 as a young and feisty three-year-old companion to Miner Forty-Niner.
“Throughout his long life here, Perry captured the hearts of the Barron Park community, and far beyond, with his beautiful soulful eyes, his sweet and gentle disposition, his amiable stroll to the pasture gate to greet his visitors, and of course his contributions to the movie Shrek – as the motion model for the Donkey character in the movie.”
The sanctuary revealed Perry succumbed to laminitis, a hoof condition causing inflammation and noted to be incurable. Handlers devoted hours to comforting him, ensuring he knew he was cherished.
Perry was praised for his ability to delight people with his public appearances and daily walks, becoming a cherished part of the local community. The project noted that memorial plans would be shared soon.
Fans of both Perry and the Shrek series quickly took to social media to express their condolences.
One Twitter user shared: “RIP Perry! The Shrek series was awesome…”
Another commented: “Damn didn’t even know about Perry, RIP you rock star.”
A third said: “Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. RIP Perry.”
“Happy trails Perry,” wrote a fourth, while another added: “RIP NOBLE STEED!”