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P-22 Mountain Lion

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P-22 Mountain Lion

Birth
Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, USA
Death
17 Dec 2022 (aged 12)
Escondido, San Diego County, California, USA
Burial
Donated to Medical Science Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
P-22 was a wild mountain lion that resided in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, in the Santa Monica Mountains. P-22 was first collared and tracked in 2012. He has been the subject of significant media attention, including the subject of numerous books, television programs, and works of art. P-22 became a Los Angeles celebrity when he was photographed beneath the iconic Hollywood sign. The image was featured in the December 2013 issue of National Geographic. P-22 was often recorded prowling in the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz neighborhoods of Los Angeles. He was monitored by a radio collar. P-22 remained in Griffith Park for 10 years before suffering traumatic injuries in a likely car accident (in combination with several longer-term health issues). After being hit by a car he was captured and humanely euthanized due to his injuries, underlying health conditions and age. Government authorities under the advice of veterinarians and big cat experts made the decision. By Mary Cummins. Below posted by others and can be removed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation. Following that evaluation, CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.

P-22 has been reported near human dwellings close to his habitat in Griffith Park. Reports include sightings, video camera recordings and physical encounters with the lion. P-22 is a remarkably old cat in the wild and, after being deemed responsible for killing a leashed pet last month, may be exhibiting signs of distress.

This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting. As P-22 has aged, however, the challenges associated with living on an island of habitat seem to be increasing and scientists are noting a recent change in his behavior. This underscores the consequences of a lack of habitat connectivity for mountain lions and all wildlife.

CDFW and NPS did not require assistance to capture and evaluate P-22 and ask that members of the public refrain from any involvement in the effort.

CDFW and NPS have long partnered together on issues related to P-22 and have been involved with him most of his life.

The team also determined P-22 was suffering from pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, an extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and arthritis.

Left with "no hope for a positive outcome," authorities chose to compassionately euthanize P-22, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife said.

The medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park said the damage to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.
P-22 was a wild mountain lion that resided in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, in the Santa Monica Mountains. P-22 was first collared and tracked in 2012. He has been the subject of significant media attention, including the subject of numerous books, television programs, and works of art. P-22 became a Los Angeles celebrity when he was photographed beneath the iconic Hollywood sign. The image was featured in the December 2013 issue of National Geographic. P-22 was often recorded prowling in the Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz neighborhoods of Los Angeles. He was monitored by a radio collar. P-22 remained in Griffith Park for 10 years before suffering traumatic injuries in a likely car accident (in combination with several longer-term health issues). After being hit by a car he was captured and humanely euthanized due to his injuries, underlying health conditions and age. Government authorities under the advice of veterinarians and big cat experts made the decision. By Mary Cummins. Below posted by others and can be removed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Park Service (NPS) announced plans today to capture the world-famous mountain lion P-22 and bring him in for a health evaluation. Following that evaluation, CDFW veterinarians and NPS biologists will determine the best next steps for the animal while also prioritizing the safety of the surrounding communities.

P-22 has been reported near human dwellings close to his habitat in Griffith Park. Reports include sightings, video camera recordings and physical encounters with the lion. P-22 is a remarkably old cat in the wild and, after being deemed responsible for killing a leashed pet last month, may be exhibiting signs of distress.

This is an unprecedented situation in which a mountain lion has continued to survive in such an urban setting. As P-22 has aged, however, the challenges associated with living on an island of habitat seem to be increasing and scientists are noting a recent change in his behavior. This underscores the consequences of a lack of habitat connectivity for mountain lions and all wildlife.

CDFW and NPS did not require assistance to capture and evaluate P-22 and ask that members of the public refrain from any involvement in the effort.

CDFW and NPS have long partnered together on issues related to P-22 and have been involved with him most of his life.

The team also determined P-22 was suffering from pre-existing illnesses, including irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, an extensive parasitic skin infection over his entire body and arthritis.

Left with "no hope for a positive outcome," authorities chose to compassionately euthanize P-22, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife said.

The medical team at San Diego Zoo Safari Park said the damage to his internal organs would require invasive surgical repair.

Gravesite Details

Some remains may be at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, California. Some remains were buried in the Santa Monica mountains in a private ceremony in an undisclosed location.


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