John Perriam, owner of Bendigo Station - and Shrek - launched his book Dust to Gold in Cromwell on Friday, and as the royalties for the book will go to the charity Cure Kids, Shrek appeared at the launch to raise awareness of both the book and the charity.
But while Shrek's appearance should have lasted only half an hour, he was in great shape and stayed the entire evening as the centre of attention.
Jennifer Balle, publicist for book publisher Random House, spent Friday and Saturday with Shrek and John Perriam, and she says Shrek is still in good health.
"He is in fine shape, and took all the excitement on Friday with his usual composure.
"But when he got back home in the evening, he was very tired, and he was still tired the next morning.
"John is aware that at the ripe old age of 16 Shrek is an `elderly gentleman', and he didn't want to put Shrek through a day of more attention and travelling if he appeared too tired.
"Shrek is well looked after with a special diet, and he is fit for his age, but no-one wants to put too much pressure on him."
