Shrek Donkey Dies at 30 yrs.

Perry, the beloved donkey who famously served as the inspiration for Eddie Murphy’s character Donkey in Shrek, the popular animated franchise, is no more. The 30-year-old Perry was euthanised on January 2 after a prolonged illness related to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, laminitis, arthritis, and muscle atrophy, according to Jenny Kiratli, lead handler at the Barron Park Donkey Project, USA Today reported.

Born as Pericles in New York City in 1994, Perry was known for his playful and talkative nature. He became the ideal inspiration for Donkey, the character voiced by Eddie Murphy in the Shrek films. Perry’s energetic personality and charm were reflected in the animated character, who became a beloved sidekick to Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers). Over the years, Donkey evolved into a pop culture icon, with his humour throughout all four Shrek films, including the final instalment, Shrek Forever After (2010).

“He was a part of the whole community, and everyone is mourning for him. So many people knew him. The story that people tell is that he was meant to be a calming influence on polo horses — but he was feisty, so that didn’t work out,” People magazine quoted Kiratli as saying.