LA’s Hollywood Cat P-22 to Receive Bronze Memorial
Los Angeles is preparing to honor its most famous wild resident, P-22, the ‘Hollywood Cat,’ with a life-sized bronze sculpture. This permanent memorial in Griffith Park will celebrate the mountain lion’s remarkable journey and enduring legacy, which profoundly impacted local conservation efforts. The unveiling is anticipated for late 2026.
P-22’s Unforgettable Journey
P-22 gained international fame for miraculously navigating the 405 and 101 freeways to make Griffith Park his home for a decade. Living amidst millions of yearly visitors, the cougar became a local legend, frequently captured on trail cameras and through night-time video, captivating the public and marking a first for the over 100-year-old city park. He sadly passed away in December 2022 after being hit by a car.
Known for his iconic photo in front of the illuminated Hollywood Sign, which graced the cover of National Geographic, P-22’s life highlighted the challenges urban wildlife face. His survival against overwhelming odds, including a bout of mange from rat poison, sparked significant public awareness and action.
A Bronze Tribute Takes Shape
Los Angeles-based artist Adam Matano is crafting the life-sized bronze sculpture, conceptualized to depict the “peripatetic cougar stepping down from a rectangular base onto the ground.” The back relief will showcase other wild animals of the park, such as gray foxes and coyotes, alongside native plants, emphasizing his connection to the habitat. Gerry Hans, president of Friends of Griffith Park, noted, “He shows a large amount of movement, momentum maybe… The movement could represent him coming to Griffith Park and that he’s part of the habitat.”
The project, costing upwards of $250,000, is funded by Friends of Griffith Park, #SaveLAcougars.org, and The National Wildlife Federation, who are actively seeking additional sponsors and donations. The statue will find its permanent home in a garden or meadow area near the park’s Visitor’s Center off Crystal Springs Drive, pending multiple city approvals.
Inspiring Change for Wildlife
P-22’s legendary life catalyzed significant conservation initiatives across Southern California. His experience with mange, caused by ingesting rodents that had eaten rat poison, brought to light the detrimental effects of outdoor pesticides on wild animals. This led several cities and public entities to ban outdoor pesticide use near foothills where wildlife roam, a direct outcome of his plight.
Furthermore, P-22’s story galvanized millions in donations and inspired the construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills. This unique bridge, nearing completion over the 101 Freeway, is designed to allow mountain lions and other animals to safely cross, connecting the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Hills and combating the genetic isolation of the local mountain lion population. As Beth Pratt, California regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation and leader of #SaveLACougars campaign, stated, “For me, P-22’s movement was everything… And the lack of his ability to move as a mountain lion. That was a part of the design I really loved.”
Key Impacts of P-22’s Legacy
| Challenge P-22 Faced | Conservation Solution Inspired |
|---|---|
| Crossing major freeways | Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing |
| Illness from rat poison | Bans on outdoor rodenticides |
| Genetic isolation of urban lions | Advocacy for wildlife corridors and crossings |
What’s Next for the P-22 Memorial?
The community continues to keep P-22’s legacy alive through annual P-22 Day Festivals, held every third weekend of October. Organizers hope to unveil the bronze sculpture in time for the 2026 celebration. City Councilmember Nithya Raman supports the initiative, noting that Matano’s design is “a beautiful ode to the improbable life led by our beloved mountain lion,” perfectly showcasing his journey between natural and man-made worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was P-22, the “Hollywood Cat”?
P-22 was a famous mountain lion who lived in Los Angeles’s Griffith Park for 10 years after crossing two major freeways. He became a symbol for urban wildlife conservation. - Where will the P-22 sculpture be located?
The life-sized bronze statue will be placed in a garden or meadow area near the Griffith Park Visitor’s Center off Crystal Springs Drive. - When is the sculpture expected to be unveiled?
The target for unveiling the bronze sculpture is late 2026, with hopes to coincide with the annual P-22 Day Festival. - How did P-22’s story impact local conservation?
His life led to bans on outdoor rat poison due to his illness from ingesting it, and his story was a major inspiration and driver for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.
This sculpture will serve as a powerful reminder for Angelenos that coexisting with nature’s wild inhabitants is not only possible but can lead to transformative change for our urban ecosystems.
LA plans bronze memorial for Hollywood Cat P-22
