# P-22 > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/P-22 > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/P-22.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-22 > Source revision: 1356904779 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Wild animal in Los Angeles (d. 2022)}} {{About|the mountain lion||P22 (disambiguation){{!}}P22}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox animal | name = P-22 | image = File:P-22 2019.jpg | caption = P-22 in 2019 | othername = {{ubl|Puma 22|Hollywood Cat}} | species = [Cougar](/source/Cougar) (''Puma concolor'') | gender = Male | birth_date = {{circa|{{Birth based on age at death|12|2022|12|17}}}} | birth_place = [Santa Monica Mountains](/source/Santa_Monica_Mountains), California, U.S. | residence = [Griffith Park](/source/Griffith_Park) | weight = 123 lbs (2012) | parents = {{cslist|[P-1](/source/P-1_(mountain_lion)) (father)|unknown (mother)}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2022|12|17| 2009}} | death_cause = [Euthanasia](/source/Euthanasia) | death_place = [San Diego](/source/San_Diego), California, U.S. | resting_place = [Griffith Park](/source/Griffith_Park), Los Angeles, California }} '''P-22''' ({{circa|2009/2010}} – December 17, 2022) was a wild [mountain lion](/source/mountain_lion) who resided in [Griffith Park](/source/Griffith_Park) in Los Angeles, California, at the eastern end of the [Santa Monica Mountains](/source/Santa_Monica_Mountains). P-22 was first identified in 2012, after which he was monitored by [radio collar](/source/Wildlife_radio_telemetry). He lived in Griffith Park for ten years and was often recorded in nearby [Hollywood Hills](/source/Hollywood_Hills) neighborhoods as well. He was captured and euthanized in December 2022, after examinations revealed he was suffering from traumatic injuries consistent with being hit by a car, in combination with several longer-term health issues. P-22 was the subject of significant media attention, including numerous books, television programs, and other works of art. Most significant was a photograph of him in front of the [Hollywood Sign](/source/Hollywood_Sign), which was featured in ''[National Geographic](/source/National_Geographic)''. P-22's likeness was also instrumental in funding the [Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing](/source/Wallis_Annenberg_Wildlife_Crossing). == Life == ===Early life=== P-22 was born {{circa|2009/2010}} in the western part of the [Santa Monica Mountains](/source/Santa_Monica_Mountains).{{cite web | title = Puma Profiles: P-022 | website = [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service) | url = https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/puma-profiles-p-022.htm | url-status = dead | access-date = October 27, 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220424102606/https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/puma-profiles-p-022.htm | archive-date = April 24, 2022}} Genetic testing showed that his father was [P-1](/source/P-1_(mountain_lion)).{{cite news |title=He's terminally single and getting old. What's next for P-22, L.A's favorite wild bachelor? |newspaper=LA Times |date=April 21, 2022 |first=Laura J. |last= Nelson|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-21/whats-next-for-p-22-mountain-lion-los-angeles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421121936/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-04-21/whats-next-for-p-22-mountain-lion-los-angeles |archive-date=April 21, 2022}} P-1 was known as "king of the mountains," having a very large territory.{{cite web |title=Life and Death of P-22, L.A.'s Most Famous Mountain Lion |website=Los Angeles Almanac |url=https://www.laalmanac.com/environment/ev704.php}} His mother was an unknown puma, one who had not been recorded in the study of local pumas. Sometime before 2012, P-22 headed east within the Santa Monica Mountains to [Griffith Park](/source/Griffith_Park), where he settled after crossing two major Los Angeles [freeway](/source/freeway)s ([Interstate 405](/source/Interstate_405_(California)) and [Route 101](/source/U.S._Route_101_in_California)).{{cite news | last = Groves | first = Martha | url = https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2012-aug-14-la-me-griffith-park-mountain-lion-20120814-story.html | url-access = subscription | date = August 14, 2012 | title = Mountain lion makes itself at home in Griffith Park | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = October 27, 2022}}{{cite magazine | title = An Urban Wildlife Bridge is Coming to California | magazine = The New Yorker | last = Witt | first = Emily | date = May 17, 2022 | url = https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-los-angeles/an-urban-wildlife-bridge-is-coming-to-california }} His success in evading traffic on these major routes was highlighted, since multiple mountain lions have died after being struck by vehicles on Los Angeles freeways.{{cite news | last = Gammon | first = Katharine | title = 'The Brad Pitt of mountain lions': how P22 became Los Angeles' wildest celebrity | date = February 13, 2022 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/13/los-angeles-mountain-lion-griffith-park | work = The Guardian | access-date = October 27, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-26/mountain-lion-believed-to-be-p-22-spotted-roaming-hollywood-hills-streets |url-access=subscription |title=Mountain lion P-22 spotted roaming Hollywood Hills streets |last=Goldberg |first=Noah |date=August 26, 2022 |newspaper=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)}} The exact route for P-22's journey is unknown.{{cite news | last = Curwen | first = Thomas | date = February 8, 2017 | title = A week in the life of P‑22, the big cat who shares Griffith Park with millions of people | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | url = https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-griffith-park-mountain-lion/ | url-access = subscription | access-date = October 27, 2022}} ===In Griffith Park=== {{Location mark | type = thumb | float = right | image = P-22 Home Range in Comparison.jpg | width = 350 | caption = P-22's home range in comparison to other pumas' | x% = 85 | y% = 77 }} P-22 was first discovered in Griffith Park by the Griffith Park Connectivity Study and he was first caught in March 2012,{{cite web | title = America's Most Infamous Mountain Lion (P22 Puma Documentary) | website = YouTube | publisher = Real Wild | date = July 9, 2022 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ1PDsNRfTk&ab_channel=RealWild}} at which point he weighed {{convert|90|lbs|kg}}, was fitted with a GPS collar, and was designated P-22. P-22 primarily resided in Griffith Park but was also spotted in the [Hollywood Hills](/source/Hollywood_Hills),{{cite news | last = Groves | first = Martha | title = Scientists track cougar's wild nightlife above Hollywood | date = October 4, 2013 | url = https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-griffith-park-lion-20131005-story.html | url-access = subscription | newspaper = Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news | last = Fields | first = Kayle | title = Mountain Lion Calls Hollywood Hills Home | url = https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2014/03/mountain-lion-calls-hollywood-hills-home | work = ABC News | date = March 12, 2014 }}{{cite news | last1 = Solis | first1 = Nathan | last2 = Yee | first2 = Gregory | title = P-22 is back home in Griffith Park. Here's how he survived urban ills to become L.A.'s most famous cat | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-10/how-p-22-l-a-s-famous-cat-survived-freeways-urban-ills | url-access = subscription | date = March 10, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Park | first = Jeong | title = Los Feliz couple encounter surprise in their driveway: mountain lion believed to be P-22 | date = October 9, 2022 | url = https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-09/a-los-feliz-couple-comes-within-three-feet-of-mountain-lion-believed-to-be-p-22 | url-access = subscription | newspaper = Los Angeles Times}} [Los Feliz](/source/Los_Feliz),{{cite news | title = Mountain lion P-22 trapped under Los Feliz home | work = ABC 7 – Eyewitness News | url = https://abc7.com/p22-mountain-lion-los-feliz/657009/ | date = April 13, 2015}}{{cite news | title = P-22 vacates home, heads back to Griffith Park, wildlife officials say | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | last1 = Groves | first1 = Martha | last2 = Jennings | first2 = Angel | date = April 13, 2015 | url = https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-famed-p22-mountain-lion-found-under-los-feliz-home-owner-says-20150413-story.html | url-access = subscription}} and [Silver Lake](/source/Silver_Lake%2C_Los_Angeles).{{cite news | last = Kurland | first = Zoe | title = We Saw A Mountain Lion Walking In Silver Lake. The Famous P-22 Takes A Stroll, Then Heads Home To Griffith Park | work = LAist | date = March 10, 2022 | url = https://laist.com/news/mountain-lion-p-22-spotted-in-silver-lake }}{{cite news | title = Celebrity Mountain Lion P-22 Visits Silver Lake Once Again This Weekend | last = Haring | first = Bruce | url = https://deadline.com/2022/03/celebrity-mountain-lion-p-22-visits-silver-lake-once-again-this-weekend-1234987810/ | date = March 27, 2022 | work = Deadline}} The [U.S. National Park Service](/source/U.S._National_Park_Service) noted that P-22's {{convert|9|sqmi|sqkm|adj=on}} Griffith Park habitat was too small for an adult cat by a factor of 31 and that it was unlikely he would ever find a mate there. It is the smallest range ever recorded for an adult male mountain lion.{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2022 |title=Statement on P-22 from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area |url=https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/news/statement-on-p-22-from-santa-monica-mountains-national-recreation-area.htm |access-date=December 17, 2022 |publisher=National Park Service |language=}}{{NoteTag|P-22 is likely not the first mountain lion to reside in Griffith Park, although the duration of his stay was remarkably long. A mountain lion's body was found in Griffith Park {{circa|1996/1997}} and another was sighted several times in 2004. Rangers also found evidence (including deer remains) to support the latter's presence.{{Cite news |last1=Hymon |first1=Steve |last2=Sciaudone |first2=Christiana |date=April 29, 2004 |title=A Mountain Lion Far From Home |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-apr-29-me-lion29-story.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 18, 2022}}}} thumb|250px|P-22 in March 2014 before his treatment for mange (left) and in December 2015, after treatment (right) In 2014, P-22 contracted [mange](/source/mange) stemming from exposure to [anti-blood-clotting rat poison](/source/Rodenticide) by way of [biomagnification](/source/biomagnification).{{cite news | title = Griffith Park Mountain Lion Exposed to Poison, Suffering from Mange | website = Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area | publisher = National Park Service | url = https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/news/gp-lion-exposed-to-poison.htm | date = April 17, 2017 | access-date = October 27, 2022}}{{cite news | title = LA Mountain Lion A Poster Cat For California's Rat Poison Problem | last = Hillard | first = Gloria | url = https://www.npr.org/2014/06/21/323970068/la-mountain-lion-a-poster-cat-for-californias-rat-poison-problem | work = Weekend Edition Saturday | publisher = NPR | date = June 21, 2014}} The [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service) captured and treated him, then released him back into Griffith Park. In December 2015, the National Park Service re-captured P-22 and found he had gained 15 pounds and fully recovered.{{cite news | last = Kim | first = Jed | title = Mountain lion P-22's health much better in latest checkup | date = January 7, 2016 | url = https://www.kpcc.org/2016-01-07/mountain-lion-p-22-s-health-much-better-in-latest | work = [KPCC](/source/KPCC_(FM))}}{{cite news |last=Branson-Potts |first=Hailey |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Griffith Park mountain lion P-22 looking healthy again |newspaper=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-puma-22-20160108-story.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212185620/https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-puma-22-20160108-story.html |archive-date=December 12, 2022}} In 2016, the [Los Angeles Zoo](/source/Los_Angeles_Zoo) reported the disappearance of an elderly [koala](/source/koala) named Killarney, whose carcass was found outside of the koala enclosure.{{cite news | title = Mountain lion featured in National Geographic mauls koala in L.A. Zoo | last = Martinez | first = Michael | date = March 10, 2016 | url = https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/10/us/los-angeles-p-22-mountain-lion-mauls-zoo-koala-bear-killarney | work = CNN}}{{cite web | title = Is P-22 mountain lion too dangerous for Griffith Park? Koala death sparks debate | last1 = Serna | first1 = Joseph | last2 = Branson-Potts | first2 = Hailey | date = March 11, 2016 | url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/la-me-ln-mountain-lion-p22-too-dangerous-for-griffith-park-20160311-story.html | website = The Baltimore Sun}}{{cite news | title = L.A. Zoo to the mountain lion that probably ate its koala: No hard feelings | last = Kaplan | first = Sarah | date = March 17, 2016 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/17/l-a-zoo-to-the-mountain-lion-that-probably-ate-its-koala-no-hard-feelings/ | newspaper = The Washington Post}} Surveillance footage from the zoo showed P-22 on zoo grounds, although neither the GPS-tracking data nor camera footage recorded an interaction between the two animals.{{cite web | last = Domonoske | first = Camila | date = March 11, 2016 | title = LA's Famous Mountain Lion Suspected In Koala Killing | website = The Two Way | publisher = NPR | url = https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/11/470099818/las-famous-mountain-lion-suspected-in-koala-killing }} [Los Angeles City Council](/source/Los_Angeles_City_Council) member [Mitch O'Farrell](/source/Mitch_O'Farrell) called for investigating the relocation of P-22 after the incident,{{cite news | newspaper = The New York Times | last = Lovett | first = Ian | date = March 23, 2016 | title = Prime Suspect in Koala's Murder: Los Angeles's Mountain Lion | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/24/us/prime-suspect-in-koalas-murder-los-angeless-mountain-lion.html | access-date = December 17, 2022}} while the National Park Service called the koala killing "normal predatory behavior" and the Zoo declined to ask for a [depredation permit](/source/depredation_permit), instead opting to improve its animal enclosure methods. === Capture and death === In December 2022, the National Park Service and [California Department of Fish and Wildlife](/source/California_Department_of_Fish_and_Wildlife) announced that they would capture P-22 to evaluate his health.{{Cite press release |date=December 8, 2022 |title=California Department of Fish and Wildlife and National Park Service Team Up to Evaluate P-22 |url=https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221 |access-date=December 9, 2022 |work= wildlife.ca.gov |publisher=California Department of Fish and Wildlife |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129060636/https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/california-department-of-fish-and-wildlife-and-national-park-service-team-up-to-evaluate-p-221 |archive-date=Jan 29, 2023}} Previously, the services had noticed changes in his behavior, including increased agitation and venturing farther from his usual range,{{Cite web |last=Kranking |first=Carlyn |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Why Los Angeles Fell in Love With the Mountain Lion Known as P-22 |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-mountain-lion-whose-life-captivated-los-angeles-has-died-180981326/ |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}} culminating in two separate attacks on [chihuahuas](/source/Chihuahua_(dog_breed)) in Griffith Park's neighboring communities.{{cite news |last=Yee |first=Gregory |date=December 10, 2022 |title=The search for P-22 is on. Here's why capturing L.A.'s star mountain lion could take weeks |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-10/los-angeles-mountain-lion-p-22-capture-could-take-weeks |url-access=subscription}} On December 12, P-22 was captured in a [Los Feliz](/source/Los_Feliz%2C_Los_Angeles) homeowner's backyard,{{Cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Christian |last2=Nelson |first2=Laura J. |last3=Solis |first3=Nathan |date=December 12, 2022 |title=P-22 captured in backyard of Los Feliz home, resident says |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url= https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-12/p-22-captured-in-backyard-of-los-feliz-home-resident-says |url-access= subscription |access-date=December 12, 2022}} after which he was triaged at the Los Angeles Zoo, and then taken to the [San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance](/source/San_Diego_Zoo_Wildlife_Alliance). Officials initially announced that P-22 was in stable condition{{cite news |last=Albeck-Ripka |first=Livia |date=December 12, 2022 |title=The Lion Sleeps Tonight: P-22, Elusive L.A. Fixture, Is Captured |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/12/us/mountain-lion-p22-los-angeles-caught.html |access-date= December 13, 2022}} and that he would not be [euthanized](/source/Animal_euthanasia) unless he was suffering from a serious health condition.{{Cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Christian |last2=Solis |first2=Nathan |last3=Nelson |first3=Laura J. |last4=Yee |first4=Gregory |date=December 13, 2022 |title=What will happen to P-22 after his capture? 'No options are off the table' for big cat |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-13/what-happens-to-p-22-after-captured-no-options-off-the-table |url-status=dead |access-date=December 13, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221213175735/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-13/what-happens-to-p-22-after-captured-no-options-off-the-table |archive-date=December 13, 2022}} The next day, however, officials announced that P-22 would likely not be released back into Griffith Park, as he was significantly underweight, had thinning fur, possible [mange](/source/mange), and his right eye was damaged, the latter likely due to a vehicle collision, as one had been reported the night before P-22's capture and P-22's radio collar data supported the idea that he had been involved.{{Cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Laura J. |last2=Queally |first2=James |date=December 17, 2022 |title=P-22, L.A. celebrity mountain lion, euthanized due to severe injuries |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-17/p22-obituary-celebrity-mountain-lion-cougar-puma-griffith-park-california |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217190518/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-17/p22-obituary-celebrity-mountain-lion-cougar-puma-griffith-park-california |archive-date=December 17, 2022 | url-status = live}}{{Cite news |last1=Martinez |first1=Christian |last2=Solis |first2=Nathan |date= December 13, 2022 |title=P-22's health seriously deteriorating, with euthanasia or sanctuary possible |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-13/what-happens-to-p-22-after-captured-no-options-off-the-table |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221214105719/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-13/what-happens-to-p-22-after-captured-no-options-off-the-table |archive-date=December 14, 2022}} P-22 was further examined at the [San Diego Zoo Safari Park](/source/San_Diego_Zoo_Safari_Park), where serious health issues were discovered, including skull fractures, eye and skin injuries, and [hernia](/source/hernia)tion of abdominal organs into his chest.{{Cite news |last=Heyward |first=Giulia |date=2022-12-17 |title=P-22, Hollywood's famous mountain lion, is euthanized after suffering injuries |language=en |work=NPR News |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/17/1143851326/p-22-euthanized-mountain-lion-hollywood-los-angeles |access-date=2022-12-22}} P-22 was also found to be suffering from multiple long-term ailments, including stage 2 [kidney failure](/source/kidney_failure), [heart disease](/source/heart_disease), a parasitic skin infection of ''[Demodex gatoi](/source/Demodex_gatoi)'', and weight loss (he weighed {{cvt|90|lb}} instead of his usual {{cvt|125|lb}}).{{cite press release | agency = California Department of Fish and Wildlife | date = December 17, 2022 | title = Mountain Lion P-22 Compassionately Euthanized Following Complete Health Evaluation Results | url = https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/mountain-lion-p-22-compassionately-euthanized-following-complete-health-evaluation-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226163607/https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/mountain-lion-p-22-compassionately-euthanized-following-complete-health-evaluation-results |archive-date=Dec 26, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Kiszla |first=Cameron |date=December 17, 2022 |title=P-22 euthanized days after capture; cougar had been struck by car, wildlife officials say |work=[KTLA](/source/KTLA) |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/p-22-euthanized-after-being-struck-by-car-wildlife-officials-say/ |access-date=December 17, 2022}}{{cite web | last = Pratt | first = Beth | title = A Eulogy for P-22, A Mountain Lion Who Changed the World | website = nwf.org| publisher= [National Wildlife Federation](/source/National_Wildlife_Federation) | date = December 17, 2022 | url = https://www.nwf.org/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2022/12-17-22-Eulogy-P-22}} P-22 was euthanized on December 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. A necropsy found he had a systemic [ringworm](/source/ringworm) infection, making him the first documented case of a [demodectic mange](/source/demodectic_mange) infection concurrent with a ringworm infection in a California mountain lion. The examination also confirmed that P-22's severe injuries and chronic conditions both impaired his ability to function in the wild and would have lowered his quality of life in human care.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2023 |title=Final necropsy results released for mountain lion P-22 |url=https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/final-necropsy-results-released-for-mountain-lion-p-22 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=CDFW News |publisher=California Department of Fish and Wildlife |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614235131/https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/final-necropsy-results-released-for-mountain-lion-p-22 |archive-date=Jun 14, 2023}} === Burial === Up to a year before P-22's death, the [Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County](/source/Natural_History_Museum_of_Los_Angeles_County) received applications that upon his death, they would use his remains for research purposes and also put his body on display. However, after P-22's death, the museum announced they did not plan to taxidermy his body or put his remains on display.{{Cite news |last=Solis |first=Nathan |date=2022-12-23 |title=Dispute arises over P-22's remains as Indigenous people fight for Griffith Park burial |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-23/what-to-do-with-p-22s-remains-native-americans-call-for-a-ceremonial-burial-in-griffith-park |access-date=2022-12-24 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Instead, local Native American tribes requested him buried near Griffith Park with a ceremony to honor his spirit.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-24 |title=Native tribes call for famed mountain lion P-22 to be buried with ceremony near Griffith Park |url=https://abc7.com/p-22-burial-native-tribes-natural-history-museum/12610649/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=ABC7 Los Angeles |language=en}} After P-22's [necropsy](/source/necropsy), he was transported to the museum, where officials and descendants from [Gabrieleño/Tongva](/source/Gabriele%C3%B1o%2FTongva), [Tataviam](/source/Tataviam), [Chumash](/source/Chumash_people), Gabrielino-Shoshone, [Akimel O'otham](/source/Akimel_O'otham), and [Luiseño](/source/Luise%C3%B1o) tribes held a blessing ceremony to "welcome P-22 back to his homeland".{{Cite web |last=Sternfield |first=Marc |date=December 24, 2022 |title=Tribal concerns complicate plans for P-22; Natural History Museum says the cougar will not go on display |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/tribal-concerns-complicate-plans-for-p-22-natural-history-museum-says-the-cougar-will-not-be-put-on-display/ |access-date=2022-12-25 |website=KTLA |language=en-US}} P-22's remains were stored at the museum until he was buried on March 4 at an undisclosed location in the Santa Monica Mountains.{{Cite news |last=Dazio |first=Stefanie |date=2023-02-04 |title=Tribes, researchers debate final fate of P-22, famed LA puma |url=https://apnews.com/article/science-animals-los-angeles-california-da293aec7427c8d2b4f24762d87b2c01 |access-date=2023-02-12 |work=AP News |language=en}} The burial was done in collaboration with local Indigenous partners, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural History Museum, and the National Park Service.{{Cite news |last1=Arce |first1=Ernesto |last2=Ogilvie |first2=Jessica P. |date=2023-03-06 |title=P-22 Has Been Laid To Rest In The Santa Monica Mountains In A Private Ceremony |url=https://laist.com/news/p-22-has-been-laid-to-rest-in-the-santa-monica-mountains |access-date=2023-03-07 |work=LAist |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Sternfield |first=Marc |date=2023-03-06 |title=Famed mountain lion P-22 buried in tribal ceremony |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/famed-mountain-lion-p-22-buried-in-tribal-ceremony/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |work=KTLA |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=March 6, 2023 |title=Famed mountain lion P-22 buried in the Santa Monica Mountains |url=https://abc7.com/p-22-buried-santa-monica-mountains-mountain-lion/12920690/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |work=ABC 7 Los Angeles}} ==Name== P-22 was the 22nd puma tracked in a Santa Monica Mountains [National Park Service](/source/National_Park_Service) study, hence the name P (for "puma") and 22. He was also known as Hollywood Cat.{{cite book |title=When Mountain Lions Are Neighbors |first=Beth |last=Pratt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bz9QEAAAQBAJ |publisher=Heydey Books |date=2016 |isbn=978-1-59714-638-8}} In 2015, radio station [KPCC](/source/KPCC_(FM)) polled listeners to choose a more personal name for P-22. Proposed names included Felix (like [Felix the Cat](/source/Felix_the_Cat)), Yossarian (based on ''[Catch-22](/source/Catch-22)''), Tukuurot (the [Tongva](/source/Tongva_language) word for mountain lion), Pete Puma (''[Looney Tunes](/source/Looney_Tunes)''), Pounce de Leon ([Juan Ponce de León](/source/Juan_Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n)), Huell, and Puma Thurman ([Uma Thurman](/source/Uma_Thurman)). However, the winning name by a large margin was P-22.{{cite news | last = Rabe | first = John | title = And P-22 the mountain lion's 'new' name, selected by listeners, is... | date = April 24, 2015| url = https://archive.kpcc.org/programs/offramp/2015/04/24/42548/and-p-22-the-mountain-lion-s-new-name-selected-by/ | work = [KPCC](/source/KPCC_(FM))}} == Legacy and tributes == thumb|Park rangers and volunteers during P-22 Day in 2017 P-22 was the subject of books, television programs, and other works of art since he was first spotted. More broadly, P-22's image became a symbol representing [Los Angeles culture](/source/Culture_of_Los_Angeles) and [wildlife conservation](/source/wildlife_conservation) in California.{{Cite magazine |last=Kevin Andrew Dolak |date=2022-12-22 |title=I Am the Man Behind the Anonymous P-22 Twitter Account |url=https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/i-was-behind-the-anonymous-p22-twitter-account/ |access-date=2022-12-26 |magazine=Los Angeles Magazine |language=en-US}}{{cite web | last = Dickinson | first = Ian | title = World's largest wildlife crossing one step closer to becoming a reality | date = March 11, 2021 | url = https://www.earthtouchnews.com/conservation/conservation/worlds-largest-wildlife-crossing-one-step-closer-to-becoming-a-reality/ | website = Earth Touch News Network}}{{cite news | last = Schreiner | first = Casey | title = L.A.'s most famous mountain lion gets a party this weekend | date = October 20, 2022 | url = https://www.latimes.com/travel/newsletter/2022-10-20/the-wild-p-22-day-festival-griffith-park-mountain-lion-the-wild| url-access = subscription | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = October 28, 2022}} His likeness was instrumental in funding the [Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing](/source/Wallis_Annenberg_Wildlife_Crossing){{Cite news |last=Cowan |first=Jill |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Enduring Power of a Big Cat in Star-Obsessed Los Angeles |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/04/us/los-angeles-mountain-lion-p22.html |access-date=2023-05-13 |issn=0362-4331}} and articles commemorating him often noted the challenges he faced. In 2016, Beth Pratt, executive director for the [National Wildlife Federation](/source/National_Wildlife_Federation) in California, helped establish the #SaveLACougars campaign and held the first celebration of P-22 Day. In 2023, the [Los Angeles Public Library](/source/Los_Angeles_Public_Library) issued a limited-edition library card featuring P-22's ''[National Geographic](/source/National_Geographic)'' photo with the [Hollywood Sign](/source/Hollywood_Sign) in the background.{{Cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |last2=Riesmeyer |first2=Andy |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Los Angeles Public Library releases limited-edition library card honoring P-22 |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/los-angeles-public-library-releases-limited-edition-library-cards-honoring-p-22/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |work=KTLA |language=en-US}} The [Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County](/source/Natural_History_Museum_of_Los_Angeles_County) also has an exhibit on P-22.{{cite web|title=P-22 |publisher=Natural History Museum |url=https://nhm.org/experience-nhm/exhibitions-natural-history-museum/p-22}} Numerous community and public figures released statements following P-22's death, including Governor [Gavin Newsom](/source/Gavin_Newsom),{{cite press release | agency = Office of Governor of the State of California | title = Governor Newsom Statement on Mountain Lion P-22 | date = December 17, 2022| website= gov.ca.gov | url = https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/12/17/governor-newsom-statement-on-mountain-lion-p-22/ | location = Sacramento, California}} U.S. Representative [Adam Schiff](/source/Adam_Schiff),{{cite press release | date = 17 December 2022 | url = https://schiff.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-schiff-on-the-passing-of-p-22 | title = Congressman Schiff on the Passing of P-22 | agency = Office of Congressman Adam Schiff [CA 28](/source/California's_28th_congressional_district) | access-date = 21 December 2022}} State Representative [Laura Friedman](/source/Laura_Friedman),{{cite news | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = December 17, 2022 | last = McDaniel | first = Justine | title = Iconic L.A. mountain lion euthanized after 'extraordinary life' | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/12/17/mountain-lion-p-22-los-angeles/}} and City Councilmember [Nithya Raman](/source/Nithya_Raman).{{cite web | title = This Moving Eulogy Of P-22, The Famous Big Cat That Stole Los Angeles's Heart, Is Making Us Tear Up | url = https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ikrd/p-22-mountain-lion-euthanized-tributes-los-angeles | website = Buzzfeed News | last = Dahir | first = Ikran | date = December 17, 2022}} P-22's obituary in the ''[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)'' described him as "an aging bachelor who adjusted to a too-small space in the big city;" it also described his border-crossing journey to Griffith Park as something many residents could empathize with. The [Greek Theatre](/source/Greek_Theatre_(Los_Angeles)) hosted a celebration of P-22's life on February 4, 2023;{{Cite web |last=Toohey |first=Grace |date=December 28, 2022 |title=Celebration of life for P-22 set for Feb. 4 in Griffith Park |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-28/celebration-of-life-for-p-22-set-for-february-in-griffith-park |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} that same month, representatives Adam Schiff, [Julia Brownley](/source/Julia_Brownley), and [Ted Lieu](/source/Ted_Lieu) wrote to the [Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee](/source/Citizens'_Stamp_Advisory_Committee) nominating P-22 to appear on a future stamp.{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Laura J. |date=February 3, 2023 |title=A P-22 postage stamp? Schiff kicks off effort to honor L.A.'s celebrity puma |work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times) |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-03/p22-mountain-lion-los-angeles-griffith-park-postage-stamp-usps |url-status=live |access-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203175521/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-03/p22-mountain-lion-los-angeles-griffith-park-postage-stamp-usps |archive-date=February 3, 2023}} ===Murals=== Several [murals in and around Los Angeles](/source/Murals_of_Los_Angeles) feature P-22, including: {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Muralist ! Location ! Year painted ! Ref |- |rowspan="3" | Jonathan Martinez | [Esperanza Elementary School](/source/Esperanza_Elementary_School) in [Westlake](/source/Westlake%2C_Los_Angeles) | 2020 | {{cite news | last = Wagner | first = Tara Lynn | title = LA's Most Famous Mountain Lion Stars in New Mural | work = Spectrum News 1 | date = August 24, 2020 | url = https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/arts/2020/08/24/p-22--la-s-most-famous-mountain-lion--stars-in-new-mural- | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211130154204/https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/arts/2020/08/24/p-22--la-s-most-famous-mountain-lion--stars-in-new-mural- | archive-date = November 30, 2021}} |- | [Watts](/source/Watts%2C_Los_Angeles) | 2021 | {{cite news | title = New Watts mural features famed P-22 mountain lion | url = https://www.audacy.com/knxnews/news/local/new-watts-mural-features-famed-p-22-mountain-lion | website = KNX News 97.1 FM | date = April 19, 2021 | author = City News Service}}{{cite news | last = Keller | first = Bertram | title = Mural in Watts Illustrates When Nature Imitates Life | url = https://lasentinel.net/mural-in-watts-illustrates-when-nature-imitates-life.html | work = Los Angeles Sentinel | date = May 27, 2021}} |- | [Ladera STARS Academy](/source/Conejo_Valley_Unified_School_District) in [Thousand Oaks](/source/Thousand_Oaks) | 2022 | {{cite news | last = Feraday | first = Caroline | date = 5 December 2022 | title = The P-22 mountain lion is featured in a new mural project in the Conejo Valley | work = KCLU | access-date = 21 December 2022 | url = https://www.kclu.org/local-news/2022-12-05/the-p-22-mountain-lion-is-featured-in-a-new-mural-project-in-conejo-valley}} |- |rowspan="3" | Corie Mattie | [Silver Lake](/source/Silver_Lake%2C_Los_Angeles) | 2022 | {{cite news | last = Kurzweil | first = Tony | title = Local artist features mountain lion P-22 in Silver Lake mural | date = October 5, 2022 | url = https://ktla.com/news/local-news/local-artist-features-mountain-lion-p-22-in-silver-lake-mural/ | website = [KTLA](/source/KTLA)}}{{cite news | last = Scauzillo | first = Steve | title = P-22, the 'Hollywood Cat' who lives in Griffith Park, is honored in a mural in Silver Lake | newspaper = [Los Angeles Daily News](/source/Los_Angeles_Daily_News) | url = https://www.dailynews.com/2022/10/04/p-22-the-hollywood-cat-who-lives-in-griffith-park-is-honored-in-a-mural-in-silver-lake/ | date = October 4, 2022}} |- | [Fairfax District](/source/Fairfax_District%2C_Los_Angeles) | 2022 | {{cite news | title = 'Long Live the King': Mural honoring famed L.A. mountain lion P-22 debuts | last = Chow | first = Vivian | work = [KTLA](/source/KTLA) | url = https://ktla.com/news/local-news/mural-honoring-famed-l-a-mountain-lion-p-22-debuts/ | date = 21 December 2022}} |- | [Hollywood Boulevard](/source/Hollywood_Boulevard) in [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood%2C_California) | 2024 | {{cite news | title = Muralist honors legendary mountain lion P-22 with artwork in Hollywood | last = Tokumatsu | first = Gordon | work = [NBC4](/source/KNBC) | url = https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/muralist-honors-legendary-mountain-lion-p-22-with-artwork-in-hollywood/3537970/ | date = 17 October 2024}} |} ==In popular culture== ===National Geographic=== ''[National Geographic](/source/National_Geographic)'' photographer Steve Winter worked with National Park Service wildlife biologist Jeff Sikich to photograph P-22.{{cite magazine | magazine = The Atlantic | title = Tracking the Mountain Lion That Ate a Chihuahua | last = Nyce | first = Caroline Mimbs | date = November 29, 2022 | url = https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/11/hollywood-cat-p-22-mountain-lion-los-angeles/672285/}}{{cite magazine | url = https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/p22-hollywood-cougar-steve-winter-photography | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221214211616/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/p22-hollywood-cougar-steve-winter-photography | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 14, 2022 | title = How this photo turned a reclusive mountain lion into a Hollywood icon | last = Dell'Amore | first = Christine | date = December 14, 2022 | magazine = National Geographic}} They spent fifteen months placing [camera trap](/source/camera_trap)s in Griffith Park, often having them stolen, before capturing P-22 under the [Hollywood Sign](/source/Hollywood_Sign).{{cite magazine | url = https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/a-cougar-ready-for-his-closeup | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210301041850/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/a-cougar-ready-for-his-closeup | url-status = dead | archive-date = March 1, 2021 | title = A Cougar Ready for His Closeup | last = Keefe | first = Alexa | date = November 14, 2013 | magazine = National Geographic}} The image appeared in the December 2013 issue of ''National Geographic''. === Books === {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Author ! Publisher ! class="unsortable"| Notes ! class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | 2017 | ''We Heart P-22: A Coloring + Activity Book Celebrating L.A.'s Most Famous Mountain Lion'' | | Narrated Objects | |{{cite web | last = Medenilla | first = Klarize | title = Filipino American-Led 'We Heart L.A. Parks' Celebrates The Rich History Of Los Angeles Parks And The Diverse Communities That Uplift Them | date = June 2, 2021 | url = https://www.asianjournal.com/magazines/mdwk-magazine/filipino-american-led-we-heart-l-a-parks-celebrates-the-rich-history-of-los-angeles-parks-and-the-diverse-communities-that-uplift-them/ | website = MDWK Magazine | publisher = Asian Journal}} |- | 2018 | ''P-22: The Journey'' | rowspan=2 | Sherry Mangel-Ferber and Calandra Cherry | rowspan=2 |Ghost Cat Publications | |{{cite web | last = Guldimann | first = Suzanne | date = October 5, 2018 | title = ''P-22: The Journey'' Invites Contemplation about L.A's Big Cats | website = M'Online | url = https://messengermountainnews.com/p-22-the-journey-invites-contemplation-about-l-as-big-cats/ | access-date = October 28, 2022}} |- | 2020 | ''P-22: The Park'' | |{{cite news | last = Guldimann | first = Suzanne | date = December 18, 2020 | title = Two New Books Celebrate the Life of Mountain Lion P-22 | work = Topanga New Times | url = https://topanganewtimes.com/2020/12/18/two-new-books-celebrate-the-life-of-mountain-lion-p-22/ | access-date = October 27, 2022}} |- | 2020 | ''The Cat That Changed America'' | [Tony Lee Moral](/source/Tony_Lee_Moral) | | |{{cite web | last = Lane | first = Cassandra | title = READ ABOUT – AND HELP – MOUNTAIN LION P22 | website = L.A. Parent | url = https://www.laparent.com/p22-book/ | date = November 4, 2020}} |- | 2021 | ''Cougar Crossing: How Hollywood's Celebrity Cougar Helped Build a Bridge for City Wildlife'' | Meeg Pincus | Beach Lane Books | Illustrated by Alexander Vidal |{{cite magazine | last = Zeng | first = Cady | title = Environmental Kids' Books for 2021 | date = 6 April 2021 | magazine = Publishers Weekly | url = https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/86009-environmental-kids-books-for-2021.html}}{{cite news | title = Books in Brief: Treasure of the World, The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, Cougar Crossing | last = Westmoore | first = Jean | date = 12 February 2021 | newspaper = The Buffalo News | url = https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/books/books-in-brief-treasure-of-the-world-the-incredible-painting-of-felix-clousseau-cougar-crossing/article_0716d4ee-6a7c-11eb-a0c8-f7244e64eba5.html}}{{cite news | newspaper = The Guam Daily Post | last = Schlichenmeyer | first = Terri | date = 24 May 2021 | title = Ring the bell, kids! Summer's here, along with some fantastic reads | url = https://www.postguam.com/entertainment/lifestyle/ring-the-bell-kids-summers-here-along-with-some-fantastic-reads/article_1da698ec-bb4f-11eb-b707-075e819ae5c5.html}} |- |2023 |''Open Throat'' |[Henry Hoke](/source/Henry_Hoke_(author)) |Farrar, Straus and Giroux |Fictionalized portrayal of P-22 |{{cite web |title=Open Throat by Henry Hoke review – inside the mind of a queer mountain lion |publisher=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jul/28/open-throat-by-henry-hoke-review-inside-the-mind-of-a-queer-mountain-lion |first=Rahul |last=Raina |date=July 28, 2023}} |} === Film, television, and theater === On television, P-22 was featured as a clue on the game show ''[Jeopardy!](/source/Jeopardy!)'' in 2022{{cite web | title = This type of wild cat with many names has a superstar in P-22 prowling the canyons of the L.A. area for years | website = Jeopardy Archive | url = https://jeopardyarchive.com/this-type-of-wild-cat-with-many-names-has-a-superstar-in-p-22-prowling-the-canyons-of-the-la-area-for-years | date = 27 September 2022 | access-date = 21 December 2022}} and his highway journey was parodied in [season 4 episode 6](/source/Stupid_Piece_of_Sh*t) of ''[Bojack Horseman](/source/Bojack_Horseman)''.{{cite episode | url = https://www.netflix.com/watch/80125585?trackId=14277281 | network = Netflix | title = S4E6: Stupid Piece of Sh*t | series = Bojack Horseman | season = 4}} P-22 was also mentioned and appears (played by another puma) in ''[This Fool](/source/This_Fool)'';{{Cite web|url=https://tvshowtranscripts.ourboard.org/viewtopic.php?f=1448&t=55505|title=''This Fool'' - Sh*t or Get Off the Pot Transcript|publisher=TV Show Transcript|accessdate=March 12, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://secretlosangeles.com/p-22-la-mountain-lion/|title=LA's Beloved Mountain Lion, P-22, Has Been Euthanized|first=Sophie|last=Len|date=December 17, 2022|accessdate=March 12, 2023|publisher=Secret Los Angeles}} additionally, the show's season 2 premiere episode includes a memorial dedication to P-22.{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Sean L. |date=2023-07-28 |title=Stream It Or Skip It: 'This Fool' Season 2 On Hulu, Where It's Always Sunny And Foolish In South Central L.A. |url=https://decider.com/2023/07/28/this-fool-season-2-hulu-review/ |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=Decider}} Films about P-22 include ''The Cat That Changed America'' (2017).{{cite web | website = Friends of Griffith Park | title = P-22's Decade in Griffith Park | url = https://friendsofgriffithpark.org/p-22/}} Amy Raasch portrays P-22 in her [one-woman stage production](/source/one-woman_show) ''The Animal Monologues''.{{cite web | last = Martin | first = Dana | date = 6 November 2018 | url = https://stageraw.com/2018/11/06/the-animal-monologues-theater-review/ | website = Stage Raw | title = Reviews: ''The Animal Monologues''}}{{cite web | author = Falling James | website = LA Weekly | title = Amy Raasch Unleashes Her Inner Beast in ''The Animal Monologues'' | date = 25 February 2019 | url = https://www.laweekly.com/amy-raasch-unleashes-her-inner-beast-in-the-animal-monologues/}} == See also == * [Mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains](/source/Mountain_lions_in_the_Santa_Monica_Mountains) * [Cougar–human interactions](/source/Cougar) * [List of wild animals from Los Angeles](/source/List_of_wild_animals_from_Los_Angeles) * [List of individual cats](/source/List_of_individual_cats) ==Notes== {{NoteFoot}} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{commons category}} * [https://friendsofgriffithpark.org/p-22/ P-22's Decade in Griffith Park] – Friends of Griffith Park * {{cite web | last = Ordeñana | first = Miguel | title = The Sound of Our Griffith Park Mountain Lion: P-22 and the Mysteries of Puma Communication | website = Los Angeles County Natural History Museum | url = https://nhm.org/stories/sound-our-griffith-park-mountain-lion-p-22-and-mysteries-puma-communication}} * {{cite magazine | magazine = The New Yorker | title = L.A.'s Loneliest Lion | url = https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/ballad-p22-mountain-lion-los-angeles | last = Nijhuis | first = Michelle | date = April 20, 2015 | access-date = December 13, 2022}} {{Los Angeles}} Category:21st-century animal births Category:2022 animal deaths Category:Animal deaths by euthanasia Category:Environment of Greater Los Angeles Category:Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands Category:Griffith Park Category:Individual cougars Category:Individual wild animals Category:Santa Monica Mountains Category:Individual animals in California --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [P-22](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-22) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-22?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.