Two nonprofit organizations are calling on artists Tuesday to submit ideas for a future memorial to celebrate P-22 – the beloved mountain lion – at Griffith Park.
The goal of this memorial is to celebrate P-22's legacy and inspire reflection on how the mountain lion transformed conservation efforts and human-wildlife connections.
"P-22 is still deeply missed by people all over the world, and his loss is especially felt in Los Angeles. This remarkable cat deserves a memorial that recognizes his incredible legacy and gives people a chance to reflect upon their love for him," said Beth Pratt, California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation and lead at the #SaveLACougars campaign.
The National Wildlife Federation's #SaveLACougars campaign and Friends of Griffith Park are leading this memorial project in partnership with L.A. City Councilwoman Nithya Raman and the L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks.
"P-22 led an incredible life as our resident Griffith Park mountain lion," Raman said in a statement. "His improbable journey to Griffith Park, and the life he built here, reminds us that our great park was also his park."
Gerry Hans, president of Friends of Griffith Park, said the completed project will be a reminder for people for a long time of how P-22 "triggered a sea of change."
Friends of Griffith Park first discovered P-22 in 2012. The mountain lion was living in Griffith Park after crossing two of L.A.’s busy freeways. P-22 changed how Angelenos viewed the importance of living with wildlife. His existence prompted the building of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
P-22 lived at Griffith Park for 10 years and was monitored by a radio collar. He was later captured in December 2022. After being captured, the mountain lion was euthanized after tests showed he had suffered from traumatic injuries along with long-term health issues.
To receive submission guidelines for the memorial, people can email [email protected] to be considered. The deadline to send an email is Dec. 31.