Farewell to Perry: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Shrek’s Donkey

Who could forget Donkey, the fast-talking, waffle-loving sidekick voiced by Eddie Murphy in Shrek? What many fans don’t know is that Donkey’s animated charm was inspired by a real-life donkey named Perry, who recently passed away at the age of 30.

From Pasture to Hollywood Stardom (Sort Of)

Perry was just five years old when he unknowingly became a part of cinematic history.

The animators behind Shrek visited the Barron Park Donkey Project, where Perry lived, to study his movements, mannerisms, and overall personality. While Eddie Murphy gave Donkey his hilarious voice and personality, Perry was the physical model that brought the beloved character to life.

Dozens of animators observed Perry in his pasture, taking detailed notes and sketches to ensure Donkey’s animation was as lifelike as possible. Their work paid off—Shrek went on to win the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002, solidifying its place in animation history.

But Perry never let fame go to his head. While Shrek became a global phenomenon, Perry stayed grounded (literally) in his serene pasture, charming visitors who may or may not have known the Hollywood connection.

Saying Goodbye

After decades of being adored by visitors and cared for by the volunteers at the Barron Park Donkey Project, Perry’s health began to decline. In recent weeks, he struggled to walk and was in significant pain due to an incurable condition. On Thursday, Perry was humanely euthanized to end his suffering.

Jenny Kiratli, lead handler at the Barron Park Donkey Project, shared that Perry had been part of the organization since 1997—just a couple of years before his Hollywood moment. For nearly three decades, Perry brought joy to countless visitors while quietly holding his role in one of the most iconic animated films of all time.

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A Legacy That Lives On

While Perry may no longer be with us, his legacy endures in every re-watch of Shrek. The character he inspired will continue to make audiences laugh for generations to come.

So the next time you hear Donkey belting out "I'm all alone" or going on about waffles, give a little nod to Perry—the real-life donkey who helped make it all possible.