Regarded as one of the finest animated films of all time, Shrek is celebrated not only for its engaging storytelling but also for its unique brand of humor that appeals to adults. Among the film’s standout characters is Donkey, brought to life by the talented Eddie Murphy, who embodied the character’s witty and pop-culture-savvy persona.
Donkey’s role in the film as both Shrek’s devoted supporter and his persistent annoyance has made him a fan favorite. Interestingly, the animated Donkey was inspired by a real-life donkey named Perry, who was known for his amiable personality.
Perry: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Shrek’s Donkey
Tragically, the Bol Park community announced the passing of Perry on January 4. The official announcement via Instagram expressed their sorrow, stating: “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.”
Perry’s trainer, Jenny Kiratli, provided insights into the donkey’s condition leading up to his euthanasia on January 2 due to a severe hoof disease. She revealed that Perry had been struggling for a month, often seen standing on three legs while lifting one due to pain. “He has clearly been in a lot of pain,” Kiratli noted, adding that the team had provided him with pain management throughout this difficult period.
After discovering Perry, one of the animators from Shrek found inspiration from his charming personality during a visit to the donkey pasture. This led to a series of visits from various animators who wanted to connect with Perry on a deeper level.
In her heartfelt online tribute, Kiratli shared, “In Perry’s last weeks, handlers spent many hours at the pasture with him, petting him, cradling him, singing to him, and telling him that he was and always will be loved. We are all blessed for having known him, and we will never, ever forget him.”
This touching story reminds us of the real-life connections that inspire our favorite characters in film. As fans wave goodbye to Perry, the legacy of the character he inspired will continue through the beloved world of Shrek.
For further exploration, check out the latest updates on Shrek 5, alongside anticipated releases like Toy Story 5 and the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.
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