Shrek icon who inspired Eddie Murphy's beloved character dies aged 30 as fans pay tribute

The miniature donkey that served as the real-life inspiration for Eddie Murphy's beloved character in the Shrek movies has sadly died at the age of 30.

Named Perry, the animal had been sketched and pictured to help animators with creating Donkey from Shrek. He even earned $75 for his role in the film's development. Barron Park Donkeys, where Perry lived, honored him with a touching Instagram post.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away yesterday at the age of 30," they expressed. "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."

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Perry was a fixture in Palo Alto, California, since he was three and recently developed a hoof disease known as laminitis. Palo Alto Online reported this was his cause of death.

Fans of Perry were devastated, flooding the comments section with tributes. One person wrote, "I'm so sorry to hear this. Thank you to all the handlers and caretakers of these beautiful creatures. Rest easy dear Perry."

Another shared their personal connection, "What an honor it was to be your Monday walker for this past year, Perry. You brought so much joy and light to all who you encountered. You will be dearly missed."

A third local said, "So heartbroken to read this I always stop and say hi to the donkeys on my work trips back to the bay area. No matter what kind of day I was having, just seeing Perry and getting to scratch his head made me feel 10x better. You were a great donkey and you will be sorely missed by many."

In their homage, Barron Park recognized Perry for having "captured the hearts of the Barron Park community and far beyond with his beautiful soulful eyes, his sweet and gentle disposition, his amiable stroll to the pasture gate to greet his visitors, and of course his contribution to the movie Shrek."

They continued, "Perry delighted the neighbourhood over the years with his frequent appearances at Barron Park community events and his daily walks along the bicycle path, most recently with his companions Buddy and April. We are all filled with sadness at his passing, but in his last weeks he was in pain and was suffering increasingly from a condition known as laminitis which is not curable. In Perry's last weeks, all of the 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."

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