“This is a digital drawing of the recently deceased mountain lion P-22. P-22 – who was euthanized on December 17, 2022, after being hit by a car – has played an important role in raising awareness on animal rights issues across Southern California. P-22 was born in the Santa Monica mountains in 2010, but crossed two highways to move to Griffith Park in Los Angeles, where he was forced to survive within an 8 square mile range (compared to the 150 required by other male cats) and would never find a mate. His situation quickly grew famous, and people grew more aware of how humans had damaged Southern California’s ecosystems. As a result of P-22’s life stuck in Griffith Park, people are taking serious measures to make sure no mountain lion will ever be forced into a situation as forlorn as his. A bridge is being built between two parts of the Santa Monica Mountain range to help expand mountain lion territories and genetic diversity, which have decreased because human development has separated parts of the mountains. P-22’s time in Griffith Park has helped to raise awareness on California’s environmental problems and bring justice to animals across Southern California, and I hope this piece can show that and help us in remembering his life.”
