The real-life donkey who inspired the animated character Donkey in the “Shrek” series died Thursday at his home in California at the age of 30.
Pericles, affectionately known as Perry, is a Jerusalem miniature donkey from New York City who rose to fame in 2001 by helping animators perfect Shrek's sidekick Donkey in the Oscar-winning comedy film Shrek. I made a profit.
Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, served as talkative comic relief to Shrek's rude nature and appeared in all four major films in the series.
Perry was only 5 years old when she first modeled for an animator and was reportedly paid $75 a week for her services.
“If you know Perry and watch the film, it's obvious that's him,” said Jenny Kiratri, lead handler for the Barron Park Donkey Project. SF gate In a 2021 interview.
“It's amazing how much our donkeys are mirrored in Donkey, from the way they flip their heads when angry at Shrek to the way they trot.”
His death was announced by Baron Park Donkeys Instagram accountthe animal park in Palo Alto, California, that Perry has called home for the past 27 years.
“Throughout his long life here, Perry has made Barron Park a great place for his beautiful, soulful eyes, his sweet and gentle disposition, his amiable walk greeting visitors to the meadow gate, and of course his contributions. The film captured the hearts of people not only in the community but far beyond. shrek – as a motion model for the donkey character in the film,” the statement said.
“Perry delighted his neighbors over the years, making frequent appearances at community events in Barron Park and, more recently, taking daily walks along the bike path with his pals Buddy and April.”
The talented donkey had laminitis, according to a statement from the Barron Park Donkey Project obtained by police. Laminitis is an incurable disease that causes inflammation and destruction of horses' hooves. Palo Alto Daily Post.
Although he had been ill for years, he was beloved enough by Palo Alto to serve as the city's mascot, and the city council paid Perry $10,000 in medical bills last year.
“During Perry's final weeks, all of his caretakers spent hours at the ranch with him, petting him, cradling him, singing to him and letting him know he was and always will be loved. “Kiratri said in a statement.
“We will miss you Perry. You were a special donkey. We were lucky to know you and we will never forget you.”
The park plans to organize a memorial for Perry soon, according to an Instagram post.
Donkeys typically live between 25 and 40 years.
