Who Was P-22? The Mountain Lion That Stole LA’s Heart

Los Angeles is known for its celebrities, but one of the city’s most beloved icons wasn’t an actor or musician...it was a mountain lion. His name was P-22, and for over a decade, he captured the imagination of Angelenos as the “King of Hollywood Hills.”

[A large, male mountain lion named P-22 staring at the camera, with a large tracking collar on his neck.]

Image credit goes to the Los Angeles Times. 

The Journey of a Legend

Born in the Santa Monica Mountains around 2010, P-22 made a remarkable journey that set him apart from any other big cat. To reach Griffith Park, he had to cross not one, but two of LA’s busiest freeways the 405 and the 101. This daring trek showed not only his resilience, but also the challenges wildlife face living alongside humans in a sprawling urban environment.

Life in Griffith Park

Once he settled in Griffith Park, P-22 became a symbol of survival in the heart of Los Angeles. He lived quietly, roaming the rugged hills and oak woodlands just a few miles from the Hollywood sign. Locals cherished the mystery of knowing a wild mountain lion lived right in the middle of the city.

P-22 also became the star of countless photographs, educational campaigns, and conservation projects. His presence brought attention to the need for wildlife crossings, like the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, now under construction to help animals safely navigate Southern California’s fragmented landscapes.

[An image of a crossing bridge, with natural lush above the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills.]

Image credit is to the Annenberg Foundation. 

To Angelenos, P-22 represented more than just a wild animal, he is a reminder of resilience, adaptability, and coexistence. His story inspired students, artists, scientists, and everyday people to care more deeply about urban wildlife and conservation.

Honoring His Legacy

When P-22 passed away in 2022, the city mourned him as though it had lost a hometown hero. Festivals, murals, and memorials continue to celebrate his legacy, ensuring his story lives on for future generations.

P-22 wasn’t just LA’s mountain lion, but a symbol of hope, survival, and the wild spirit that still thrives within our city.

[P-22 mountain lion walking with the Hollywood sign in the background. He is wearing a large tracking collar, with mouth slightly agape.]

Image credit goes to the New York Times.