Perry, whose full name was Pericles, had resided at a public pasture in Palo Alto, California and served as a support animal since 1997.

In a touching Instagram post, Barron Park Donkeys (BPDonkeys) wrote on Friday, "It is with great sadness that we share the death of the incomparable Perry," they wrote.

"We are heartbroken with his passing, but recently, he had been in increasing pain, suffering from a condition known as laminitis, which is not curable.

“This was the right time (for him) to say goodbye, although still too soon for us. In Perry’s last weeks, handlers spent many hours at the pasture with him, petting him, cradling him, singing to him, and telling him that he was and always will be loved.

“We are all blessed for having known him and we will never, ever forget him. We will announce plans for a memorial service for Perry soon."

More than a dozen handlers were with Perry when he passed, and his donkey friends in the pasture were given time to mourn their friend.

In 1999, employees of DreamWorks Animation contractor Pacific Data Images visited Perry to study his movements in preparation for the creation of Eddie Murphy’s iconic ‘Shrek’ character, Donkey.

According to the SFGATE, Perry was paid a sum of $75 for his time. “It’s evident if you know Perry and watch the movie that it’s him," his leader handler, Dr. Jenny Kiratli, told the outlet.

"It’s amazing how much of our donkey is in Donkey, the way he flips his head when he’s mad at Shrek, the way he trots."