P-22 Mountain Lion Sculpture to Honor LA's Beloved Cougar 2026

The city of Los Angeles will memorialize P-22, its most famous mountain lion, with a bronze sculpture in Griffith Park, the 4,200-acre stretch of land the cougar once roamed. The announcement comes as a tribute to the beloved feline who captured the heart of a city.

P-22: The Celebrity Mountain Lion of Los Angeles

Known as P-22, the number assigned by the team of biologists that first identified him, the lion gained national fame after photographer Steve Winter captured an iconic image of him prowling through Griffith Park with the Hollywood sign in the background. The GPS-collared lion attracted a devoted following in Los Angeles, where his moves often became the subject of local news coverage.

Likely born in the Santa Monica mountains, P-22 became a symbol of urban wildlife and the challenges faced by mountain lions in Southern California. His story resonated with Angelenos and beyond, turning him into a celebrity in his own right.

The Memorial Sculpture: A Tribute to P-22

The sculpture, by Los Angeles artist Adam Matano, will be installed at the park’s visitor center, according to the National Wildlife Federation, which championed the project through its Safe LA Cougars campaign. The sculpture shows a muscular P-22 stepping down from one podium, decorated with images of animals native to southern California, down to a second perch, which features reproductions of local flora.

Matano tried to capture the “idea of the wild entering Los Angeles and awakening the city to the nature already within it,” he said in a statement. He aimed to transform P-22 “into a king not because he dominated the territory but rather because he lived according to his own nature and captured the heart of a city.”

The project was paid for with private philanthropy, highlighting the community's dedication to honoring P-22's legacy.

Why P-22 Mattered: Impact on Conservation

P-22's fame brought attention to the plight of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains and the need for wildlife corridors. His life and death sparked conversations about coexistence with urban wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Here are some key takeaways from P-22's story:

• Urban wildlife awareness: P-22 showed that wild animals can thrive in urban environments, but they need protection.
• Conservation efforts: His fame supported initiatives like the Safe LA Cougars campaign and the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
• Community engagement: Angelenos followed his every move, demonstrating a deep connection between city dwellers and nature.

Comparison: P-22's Life and Legacy

FAQ

The memorial sculpture not only honors P-22 but also serves as a reminder of the wild spirit that once roamed the heart of Los Angeles. It stands as a testament to the city's commitment to wildlife and the enduring legacy of a mountain lion who became a celebrity.

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