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Donkey from 'Shrek' Has a Real 'Animal' Prototype: And It's a Sweet Story With a Sad Ending

Donkey is Shrek's best friend

You didn’t think that the charismatic character was based on a random donkey, did you?

Donkey from Shrek is remembered for his incredible charm, brilliant jokes, and the voice of Eddie Murphy. However, few know that his appearance was inspired by a real animal. Perry the donkey, who lived a long and vibrant life in California's Barron Park, became the prototype for one of animation's most beloved characters.

Unfortunately, Perry passed away at the age of 30 after a long illness. Representatives of the Barron Park Donkey Project stated that the cause was laminitis, a disease that affects hoof tissues.

Perry arrived at the park in 1997 and quickly won the hearts of the local community with his lively and friendly character, which even caught the attention of DreamWorks animators, who used him as a model for creating the animated character.

The persona of the Donkey combines humor, loyalty, and charisma. Eddie Murphy's voice added a spark to the character, but the visual representation, so recognizable and loved by audiences, is credited to Perry.

At Barron Park, Perry the donkey was a true legend. His role extended far beyond the cartoon: he became a part of the local community's life.

'His contribution to Shrek and the love he gave to people will remain in our hearts forever,' noted representatives of the organization.

Although Perry is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the Donkey from Shrek, who remains a symbol of friendship, joy, and a touch of wacky humor. This character continues to delight millions of people, reminding us of how real life inspires art.

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