Donkey that inspired Eddie Murphy’s character in Shrek dies at the age of 30 – as handlers mourn the passing of ‘an icon’

The donkey who inspired Eddie Murphy’s iconic character in Shrek has died aged 30.

Perry, a miniature donkey, had been a star attraction at Bol Park in Palo Alto – in northwestern California – for almost thirty years before he was sadly euthanized on Thursday.

The beloved barnyard animal suffered from laminitis, a painful hoof disease that caused excruciating pain. He also had a condition in his left hind leg that made it difficult for Perry to stand.

His caregivers tried several methods to ease his pain before it became clear that his condition was not improving.

Jenny Kiratli, the donkey’s handler, told the story Palo Alto Online that Perry has an unlikely connection beyond his hometown to one of Hollywood’s most famous film franchises: Shrek.

One of the animators reportedly lived near Bol Park and was tasked by his wife to observe the donkeys in their enclosure to bring Eddie Murphy’s character to life.

Jenny Kiratli, the donkey’s handler, told Palo Alto Online that Perry has an unlikely connection beyond his hometown to one of Hollywood’s most famous film franchises: Shrek, where he was the inspiration behind the character Donkey (pictured)

Perry moved to Bol Park in 1997, where he lived with two other donkeys, April and Buddy

The same man then returned with a group of fellow animators who spent hours with Perry.

The sun reported that Perry’s influence on Donkey is evident, with Ms. Kiralti claiming that the pair shared many of the same mannerisms.

Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world’s most famous animated characters, Perry was reportedly paid just $74 for the film, which also won the first-ever Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Ms Kiratli described his death as “the end of the era” and “the loss of an icon”.

She said: In Perry’s final weeks, caregivers spent many hours with him in the pasture, petting him, rocking him, singing to him and telling him he was loved and would always be loved.

“We are all blessed to have known him and we will never, ever forget him.”

Perry moved to Bol Park in 1997, where he lived with two other donkeys, April and Buddy.

The animal’s status as a local celebrity was cemented after the city’s mayor, Greer Stone, joined the crowds of residents who flocked to the park to celebrate its 30th birthday in June.

Despite his apparent key role in creating one of the world’s most famous animated characters, Perry was reportedly paid only $74 for the film.

Ms Kiratli said Perry was feisty and funny, which made him so endearing to visitors.

The animal’s status as a local celebrity was cemented after the city’s mayor, Greer Stone, joined the crowds of residents who flocked to the park to celebrate its 30th birthday in June.

Palo Alto also contributed $10,000 toward his medical costs last year.

Donkeys typically live between 25 and 30 years, but are known to live into their 40s if given proper care.