Perry, a Jerusalem miniature donkey, was first brought to California to help calm polo ponies, but instead he nipped at them, according to the project’s website. So in 1997, the “spunky” 3-year-old was brought to Palo Alto’s Bol Park to live in a pasture set aside for donkeys to graze.

Known as the inspiration for Donkey in the 2001 animated classic Shrek, Perry was a beloved staple in the Palo Alto community

Perry, a 30-year-old donkey, was the motion model for “Donkey” in the 2001 “Shrek” film. He lived at a Palo Alto pasture for nearly 30 years.

Eddie Murphy gets most of the credit for bringing Shrek’s Donkey to life, but he didn’t do it alone. While Murphy’s signature voice provided the comic timing, Donkey’s physical appearance was based on

“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Barron Park donkey, Perry, passed away yesterday at the age of 30,” the Barron Park Donkey Project, where he lived before and after his movie-star years, wrote. “He was a beloved member of our community, and we know many people will be touched by his passing. Memorial plans will be announced soon.”

The miniature donkey served as the model for Eddie Murphy's character in the movie franchise. Perry, Who Inspired Shrek’s Donkey Character, Dies at 30 Surrounded By His Donkey Friends

Perry was five years old when he modeled for the Shrek animators, contributing to the character's design and movements. He received a symbolic payment of $75 for his time from PDI.

What did Perry die of? The iconic donkey’s departure was due to a disease known as laminitis, an inflammation of the horse’s hoof. Care and attention did not prevent Perry’s passing, but his indelible memory will always remain in the form of the mythical character Donkey. For reference, a donkey in captivity can live to be 40 years old.

Perry — the miniature donkey who was the animation model for the iconic character voiced by Eddie Murphy in the movie Shrek — has died.