Perry, the beloved donkey of Palo Alto, California, and inspiration for the iconic “Donkey” character in the DreamWorks film *Shrek*, has passed away at the age of 30. The announcement, shared Friday on the BPDonkeys Instagram page, brought sadness to the community. The post expressed the organization’s heartbreak, acknowledging Perry’s significance as a cherished member of the community and anticipating the impact of his loss. Memorial plans are forthcoming.
Perry resided at Cornelis Bol Park, serving as a much-loved support animal. However, the cost of his care, along with that of the other donkeys, had become a subject of debate in recent years. Facing a city budget deficit last year, a city council member voiced concerns over the significant expense of maintaining the animals.
A memorial service to honor Perry’s life and contributions will be held at a date to be announced.