Donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy's character in Shrek dies at the age of 30 - as handlers mourn the passing of 'an icon'

By Free Republic | Created at 2025-01-06 12:21:51 | Updated at 2025-01-07 21:57:24 1 day ago

Donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy's character in Shrek dies at the age of 30 - as handlers mourn the passing of 'an icon'
Daily Mail UK ^ | January 5, 2025 | Ed Holt

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 ...

TOPICS: TV/Movies
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I never knew he was a real donkey

1 posted on 01/06/2025 4:16:07 AM PST by Morgana

To: Morgana

I did not know Chelsea passed on.

2 posted on 01/06/2025 4:20:57 AM PST by rlmorel ("A people that elect corrupt politicians are not victims...but accomplices." George Orwell)

To: Morgana

I never saw the movie but I think I still like the donkey better than any Leftist Hollywood actors / actresses.

It's likely that the donkey had more common sense.

3 posted on 01/06/2025 4:21:39 AM PST by SaveFerris (Luke 17:28 ....... as it was in the Days of Lot; They Ate, They Drank, They Bought, They Sold ......)

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