A gray miniature donkey named Perry who lives in California is possibly the most famous donkey alive: He was the model for the Donkey character voiced by Eddie Murphy in the 2001 animated movie “Shrek.” At Perry’s 30th birthday party earlier this week, more than 200 neighbors in Palo Alto showed up to celebrate the aging donkey, take photos and watch him eat a layered grass pellet cake made by volunteer handlers who take care of him. The community not only loves Perry and the two donkeys he lives with, they now support them by both volunteering and donating money for their medical care as they get on in years.
Perry has severe arthritis and the hormonal disorder equine Cushing’s disease. He gets acupuncture treatments for pain, said Jenny Kiratli, lead handler for the animals. He lives in the pasture with Buddy, 24, who has equine dental disease, she said, and April, 15, who has diabetes and low thyroid disease and is being treated for a chronic hoof ailment.
As the donkeys have grown older, the cost of their medical care has gone up, Kiratli said. Miniature donkeys can live to around 30 or 35 years old. “Last year, care for the donkeys cost $40,000, and we’re expecting it will continue to rise,” she said.
“The donkeys are beloved by the community, so it’s important to continue giving them the care they need.” About 30 volunteers for the nonprofit Barron Park Donkey Project now look after Perry and the other donkeys, using about $25,000 a year in public do.
