Proposals Sought For P-22 Memorial Sculpture At Griffith Park

LOS ANGELES, CA — A coalition of nonprofits are calling on artists to submit their ideas for a future memorial at Griffith Park that pays tribute to the late, great mountain lion P-22.

Organizers envision a memorial that allows the public to reflect on their personal connection to P-22 and the large impact that the cougar has had on attitudes toward conversation in Southern California and beyond.

Artists interested in submitting proposals can obtain more information about the submission guidelines by emailing p22mountainlion@nwf.org and should express their interest by Dec. 31 to be considered.

The National Wildlife Federation's #SaveLACougars campaign and Friends of Griffith Park are leading the project in collaboration with the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and City Councilmember Nithya Raman.

Officials are expected to pin down an exact location for the future sculpture within a month, Friends of Griffith Park President Gerry Hans told Patch.

The effort to memorialize P-22 was first introduced at the City Council by Raman last year.

"P-22 led an incredible life as our resident Griffith Park mountain lion," Raman said. "His improbable journey to Griffith Park, and the life he built here, reminds us that our great park was also his park."

P-22 was first identified in 2012 by a wildlife connectivity study launched by Friends of Griffith Park. He soon became one of Los Angeles' most famous residents and a frequent fixture in backyard surveillance camera footage and news reports.

He became a symbol of urban wildlife safety and conservation. P-22 was an inspiration for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, which is meant to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife. His plight also ignited the #SaveLACougars campaign.

“P-22 became a celebrated icon for urban wildlife conservation, a priceless gift that will endure. The proposed P-22 Memorial will be a reminder to visitors far into the future of how P-22 triggered a sea change in thinking about the way humans can live alongside wildlife in urban settings,” Hans said.

P-22 was euthanized in December 2022 for serious health issues, including injuries he sustained after being hit by a car. He was celebrated at a sold-out tribute at the Greek Theatre.

He was buried at an undisclosed location in the Santa Monica Mountains after a tribal ceremony in March 2023.

“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," Beth Pratt, California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation and lead at the #SaveLACougars campaign said.