⁠What is laminitis? Symptoms & all you need to know as Perry, the donkey that inspired Shrek’s Eddie Murphy’s character dies at age 30

Perry, the real-life donkey who inspired Eddie Murphy’s beloved Donkey character in DreamWorks' Shrek (2001), passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 30. Perry resided at the Barron Park Donkey Project in Palo Alto, California, since 1997, where he served as a mascot for the community. His death was attributed to laminitis, an incurable and painful condition affecting hooved animals.

The news of Perry's death was announced by Jenny Kiratli, the lead handler of the Barron Park Donkey Project, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, through a statement and an Instagram post from the Barron Park Donkey Project. The statement read:

"Recently, he had been in increasing pain... This was the right time to say goodbye, although still too soon for us," The handlers cared for Perry in his final days, providing him with comfort and companionship.

According to UC David Veterinary Medicine- Center for Equine Health, Laminitis, the condition that led to Perry's death, is a serious and often fatal disease in hooved animals. It involves inflammation and damage to the laminae, the tissue that connects the hoof to the coffin bone. This damage can result in mild soreness or progress to the founder, where the coffin bone separates from the hoof, causing extreme pain.

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Shrek's inspiration and Perry’s role

In 1999, Perry became a key inspiration for the character Donkey in Shrek. Animators from Pacific Data Images (PDI), the studio behind the animation, visited Perry at Barron Park to study his appearance and movements.

While Perry’s contributions helped shape one of the most iconic characters in animation, his name was not credited in the film. Per CBR's report on January 5, PDI reportedly donated $75 to his care.

Shrek became a global phenomenon, earning over $492 million worldwide and winning the first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Despite this, Perry's legacy remained more rooted in his local community, where residents cherished him and supported by the City Council, which allocated $10,000 for his medical expenses during his declining health.

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Understanding Laminitis: Symptoms and causes

Laminitis, according to the UC Davis-center for Equine Health, is a debilitating condition affecting horses and has several common causes, including excessive sugar intake from grain or pasture, endocrine disorders like equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s Disease (PPID), and weight-bearing due to injuries in the opposite limb.

Ponies and older equines like Shrek’s Perry are particularly vulnerable to this irreversible disease. Symptoms vary in severity and can include reluctance to move or rise, shifting weight between hooves, a "sawhorse stance" with front feet extended forward, increased pulse, and elevated hoof temperature. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and radiographs to evaluate internal damage.

Laminitis progresses through three phases: developmental, characterized by early tissue damage without visible symptoms; acute, marked by visible lameness and potential displacement of the coffin bone; and chronic, involving long-term damage that leads to lasting pain and structural hoof changes.

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Treatment and Prognosis

While laminitis cannot be reversed, treatment focuses on minimizing further damage and providing comfort. Pain management typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cold therapy. Horses may require dietary adjustments, mechanical support for hooves, and frequent farrier care to encourage healing.

The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may recover, but severe cases often necessitate euthanasia to relieve suffering, as seen in Perry's situation.

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Meanwhile, Shrek 5 is scheduled for release on July 1, 2026, with original cast members Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprising their roles as Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively.

The film will be directed by Walt Dohrn, with Gina Shay and Chris Meledandri serving as producers. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the production is expected to continue the franchise's legacy of humor and heart.