Remembering Perry: Real-life California donkey who inspired iconic 'Shrek' character, dies at 30, park officials say
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Monday, January 6, 2025 12:57AM

Perry, real-life Bay Area donkey who inspired 'Shrek' character, dies

Perry, a famous donkey from Palo Alto that helped inspire the movie character “Donkey” in “Shrek,” has died.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — A famous donkey from California that helped inspire the movie character “Donkey” in “Shrek” has died.

Perry was 30 years old.

In an Instagram post, BPDonkeys, wrote on Friday, “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away yesterday at the age of 30. 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.”

This is an Instagram screengrab from BPDonkeys on Perry, real-life donkey who inspired iconic 'Shrek' character, who passed away at the age of 30.

This is an Instagram screengrab from BPDonkeys on Perry, real-life donkey who inspired iconic ‘Shrek’ character, who passed away at the age of 30.

BPDonkeys/Instagram

Perry resided at Cornelis Bol Park in Palo Alto, California and served as a support animal.

Paying for his care, and for the other donkeys, slowly became a point of controversy overtime. The city faced a budget deficit last year. A city councilmember pushed back at paying tens of thousands of dollars.

A memorial will be held for Perry at a later date.

This is a split image of "Shrek" character "Donkey," left, and image of Perry, right, who inspired the "Shrek" character.

This is a split image of “Shrek” character “Donkey,” left, and image of Perry, right, who inspired the “Shrek” character.

AP/ Barron Park Donkeys in Palo Alto

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