![[BRIEFLY] The Donkey Who Inspired Donkey from Shrek Passes Away at 30](http://hollywoodbox.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/shrek.jpg?crop=center&height=800&v=1736192456&width=1600)
We love the Shrek movies not only for the kind-hearted ogre in the title role but also for his charming friends like Puss in Boots and, of course, Donkey. While Puss got his own spinoffs, Donkey is set to return in the upcoming Shrek 5, once again voiced by Eddie Murphy. Sadly, Perry, the real-life donkey who inspired the character, won’t see the premiere.
Perry lived in Cornelis Bol Park in Palo Alto, California, and his passing was reported by Palo Alto Online. He was euthanized on January 2 after struggling with a painful hoof disease that treatments could not cure. Toward the end of his life, Perry could only stand on three legs, making life increasingly difficult for him. Out of compassion, he was given a lethal injection.
The donkey was 30 years old and had lived in the park since 1997. The animation studio Pacific Data Images, which worked on Shrek, used photos and videos of Perry as references to model Donkey for the films. Thanks to these images and his role in the beloved animated series, Perry’s legacy will live on in human culture.
Below, you can see images of Perry and Donkey, with more photos available in the Palo Alto Online obituary.
