Perry the donkey, model for 'Donkey' character in Shrek movies has died
Perry the Donkey
PALO ALTO, Calif. - Perry, the donkey that served as the model for "Donkey," a character in the "Shrek" movies, has died. He was 30.
Perry died Saturday at Barron Park Donkeys, a pasture in Palo Alto. He was one of two Jerusalem miniature donkeys and was nicknamed "The Celebrity," for being the model for "Donkey."
He was modeled for the "Shrek" film in 1999 when he was 5.
"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away…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," Barron Park Donkeys announced on social media.
Outside of his modeling, Perry would appear at community events and would be seen during his walks in the Barron Park neighborhood.
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Before he moved to Barron Park, Perry lived elsewhere in California to be a calming influence for polo ponies. However, instead of calming them, Perry would nip at them, according to the Palo Alto donkey pasture.
It's unclear how Perry died, but the pasture reported that in his last weeks, he was in pain and suffering from laminitis, an uncurable condition. Additionally, in June 2024, Barron Park reported Perry was facing ailments and sought to fundraise to pay for expenses towards his health.
"In Perry's last weeks, all of the 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," Barron Park Donkeys said.