Beloved Hollywood mountain lion P-22 attracts 1000’s of mourners

A beloved Los Angeles space mountain lion who was dubbed the “King of Griffith Park” was remembered by 1000’s on Saturday, together with celebrities and scientists.

Mountain lion P-22 outlived his life expectancy regardless of dwelling on what’s described as an “island.” The Hollywood hills he roamed have been encircled by highways and improvement.

His memorial on Saturday drew the likes of actor Rainn Wilson and musician Diplo. California Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the memorial in a video. Native libraries streamed the memorial because the venue was crammed to capability.

Wildlife officers captured P-22 in December after he exhibited altering behaviors. Earlier than his seize, he reportedly attacked an individual. It’s also believed {that a} automotive struck P-22.

After the California Division of Fish and Wildlife did a well being evaluation of P-22, veterinarians determined to euthanize the beloved animal. 

“P-22 by no means totally acquired to be a mountain lion,” mentioned Beth Pratt, with the Nationwide Wildlife Federation. “His entire life, he suffered the implications of attempting to outlive in unconnected house, proper to the tip when being hit by a automotive led to his tragic finish. He confirmed individuals world wide that we have to guarantee our roads, highways, and communities are higher and safer when individuals and wildlife can freely journey to seek out meals, shelter, and households.”

Pratt mentioned P-22 helped encourage the constructing of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, which is underneath development in Agoura Hills, California. It will likely be a vegetated overpass that may assist remoted animals safely cross U.S. 101.

“We should now give again to P-22. We should acknowledge when the boundaries of this unconnected house have been reached, and take motion to make sure the well-being of P-22 and the neighborhood he lives in,” Pratt mentioned.