Everywhere Jenny Kiratli goes these days, someone stops her to share memories of Perry, the miniature donkey.
Perry, who was the model for Donkey in the animated film Shrek, has passed away at the age of 30. He lived in Palo Alto, California, and was a cherished figure in the Barron Park neighborhood.
Kiratli, Perry's lead handler, shared that he had a huge impact on the community. "Everywhere I go in the neighborhood, I'm stopped by people," she said. Residents have loved Perry for decades, some visiting him since childhood.
Perry lived at Cornelis Bol Park since 1997, cared for by the Barron Park Donkey Project. Originally brought to California to calm polo ponies, he instead became known for his playful spirit.
According to Kiratli, donkeys are special creatures—gentle and intelligent, much like big dogs. But Perry was unique. "He had a tremendously deep gaze and very soulful eyes," she recalled. He was known for his funny antics and playful personality.
In 1999, Perry caught the attention of animators from DreamWorks, who used him as a visual reference for the character Donkey. Animator Rex Grignon noted how helpful it was to observe Perry's movements during the animation process.
Sadly, Perry faced health issues in his later years, typical for miniature donkeys. However, he remained a beloved community pet. His vet bills led the community to come together, raising funds for his care.
Every Sunday, locals join the handlers to walk the donkeys, and many stop by to visit Perry. "Little kids want to pet him and brush him," Kiratli said. For many, Perry was not just the donkey from Shrek; he was their dear friend.