The animal, aged 30 and which has inspired the green giant’s faithful companion since 2001, was euthanized after years of battle with a hoof disease which affected its left hind leg.
We owe the cult character of the donkey in the famous film Shrek to Perry, a Californian donkey born in June 1994. The animal, which fought a long and painful battle against hoof disease – an inflammation of the skin of the heel region and the space between the bovine’s toes – unfortunately passed away on January 2, after being euthanized, reports the English daily The Sun .
On Instagram, the Californian wildlife park in Palo Alto, where the animal had resided since 1997, expressed its sadness: « 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 affected by his death ».
Use of euthanasia
The wildlife park also said in a statement that Perry suffered from laminitis, a form of hoof disease that affected his left hind leg. « For a month, he simply stood on three legs and kept one up. »explains Jenny Kiratli, her caregiver. Medical assistance given to the donkey, such as acupuncture or laser light therapy, did not alleviate his pain.
She adds: « He obviously suffered a lot. He took a lot of painkillers ». Ultimately, doctors decided to resort to euthanasia. The press release specifies that it is thus « died peacefully »and that his remains were left in the pasture for several hours so that his two companions, April and Buddy, could learn of his death and mourn.
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The donkey will have his film
This tiny donkey was chosen at the time by the writers of Dreamworks to inspire the famous character in Shrek because of his physique, but also his behavior « fiery and funny »indicate the studios. Despite his contribution to the film’s worldwide success, Perry only received a modest compensation of 75 euros in his career. The animal was never credited in the film’s credits and even gave rise to a debate on the recognition of animals in the film industry.
A tribute will perhaps be paid to him in the next film dedicated to the donkey in Shrekannounced by his English-speaking voice actor, Eddie Murphy, last June. The feature film should arrive in cinemas after the release of the fifth part of the saga Shrek in 2025, and whose last film dates from 2010.
