Fans step in to support the adorable animal behind 'Shrek's' Donkey amid sickness

Some animated characters leave an inedible mark on fans' lives. An adorable donkey was featured in the 2001 animated movie "Shrek," known for his fun personality. However, few people know we owe the much-loved character's presence on our screens to a real-life miniature donkey called Perry. The donkey who inspired the character in "Shrek" is considered a celebrity in Palo Alto, California, where he is cared for. Over 200 people showed up to celebrate Perry's 30th birthday on June 9, per The Washington Post.

People took photos of the donkey as he ate a grass pellet cake made by his handlers. Miniature donkeys mostly live up to 30 to 35 years. Hence, the excitement to celebrate Perry's life was palpable. What's even more heartwarming is that the fans and community pitched in to ensure that the ailing donkey is taken care of. Along with them, the community also gathers funds for Perry's companions, Buddy and April. Buddy has been with Perry since 2020 after his previous companion Jenny succumbed to illnesses, per Palo Alto Humane. As of now, Perry is struggling with diseases like arthritis and the hormonal disorder equine Cushing's disease.

The main handler for the miniature donkey, Jenny Kiratli, also shared that 24-year-old Buddy suffers from equine dental disorders while 15-year-old April has diabetes, low thyroid disease and hoof ailment. As the animals started aging, their medical expenses have gone up significantly. Hence, they need support from their community more than ever. Snapshots from Perry's birthday celebrations on Instagram show why he is an important part of the community. People come to Barron Park to interact with the animals and many of them feel it is a joyous thing as per the outlet.

The park's Instagram page (@bpdonkeys) showcases people patting the donkeys, playing guitars, clicking photos and trying to pin the tail on Perry's picture. "Perry and all of the other donkeys that have lived in this pasture over the years have brought people lots of joy. There's something about looking into a donkey's eyes that is really therapeutic," Kiratli expressed. The Barron Park Donkeys have been at the center of community events. A post from the pasture's page read, "Another successful Halloween Bray Parade!!! Perry and Buddy led the way with over 100 paraders." Several people dressed in colorful Halloween clothes accompanied the animals on the parade with pure joy on their faces.

Perry has been at the park since 1997, as his previous owners didn't want to raise donkeys. His spotlight moment came when Rex Grignon, an animator, wanted to study Perry with his team for a character in his upcoming movie in 1999. "My partner [at work] was taking on the character of Shrek, and I was taking on the donkey. I needed some reference about how donkeys moved, and my wife mentioned the Barron Park donkeys," Grignon told the outlet. The animator came in with a team of 25 others to study Perry's characteristics, a host of which Kiratli pointed out was unique to Perry.

"Last year, care for the donkeys cost $40,000, and we're expecting it will continue to rise. The donkeys are beloved by the community, so it's important to continue giving them the care they need," Kiratli said while sharing her concern. Palo Alto's mayor has promised the pasture to match the community's donations if they can reach a target of $10,000 by June 23, per a post by Barron Park. The Palo Alto Humane Society overlooks the funds. They have crossed $8000 in donations as per the most recent update.

You can follow Barron Park Donkeys (@bpdonkeys) on Instagram for further updates on Perry.