Perry — short for Pericles — the model for “Donkey” in the Shrek movies, passed away Jan. 2, 2025. He was 30.
He was euthanized after suffering from Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), associated laminitis, arthritis and muscle atrophy, according to USA Today. The Jerusalem miniature donkey found a home at the Barron Park Donkey Project, part of the Palo Alto Humane Society in California, in 1997.
“He was originally brought to California to be a calming influence for polo ponies — but instead of calming them, he nipped at them! Thus, Perry needed a new home and found one in Barron Park,” Perry’s bio says on the project’s website.
Rex Grignon, former head of character animation at DreamWorks, wanted to observe donkeys in person to better understand their body mechanics. Thankfully, he and his wife ran across a group of donkeys and handlers at Barron Park, where they discovered Perry, whose movements and gait were used to bring “Donkey” to life.
Despite being in pain, Perry was in good spirits up until the end, says Jenny Kiratli, lead handler with the Barron Park Donkey Project. Beloved in his community, Perry will be missed.
