Today we join our Los Angeles community in mourning the loss of mountain lion P-22. 🐾 First discovered living in Griffith Park in 2012, the big cat soon became a local celebrity as he was photographed via remote camera on the prowl in front of the Hollywood sign. Wildlife biologists learned that P-22 had crossed two of L.A.'s most notorious freeways, the 405 and the 101, to make his way from the western Santa Monica Mountains to Griffith Park. The big cat lived in the park for 10 years, (mostly) avoiding contact with visitors and nearby residents. Recently, it became clear that P-22's health was rapidly deteriorating due to serious injuries, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife made the difficult decision to euthanize him. For many, P-22's incredible story was so typically L.A.: a forever bachelor boxed in by freeways and traffic, yet surviving in a corner of the world much too small for him. While the iconic cat no longer roams though L.A.'s backyard, he remains an ambassador for urban wildlife conservation. In April of this year, the state broke ground on the Liberty Canyon Wildlife crossing, which will bridge the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills and provide safe movement for animals. P-22 taught so many of us the importance of co-existing with the natural world that surrounds and inspires us. He will be sorely missed. ♥️ Images: 1. Edward Ruscha, "Hollywood," 1968, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, © Ed Ruscha, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA. 2. Steve Winter/National Geographic Learn more about L.A.'s big cats: savelacougars.org