A Permanent Memorial for a Local Icon
A bronze statue of P-22, the mountain lion who became a symbol of coexistence in Los Angeles, is currently in development at a studio near the city. Artist Adam Matano is crafting the likeness, which will stand at the Griffith Park Visitors Center on Crystal Springs Drive. This project serves as a permanent mark of the animal's impact on the urban landscape after he roamed the 4,200-acre park for more than a decade.
Matano recently finished the clay form of the sculpture. This stage is a vital part of a monthslong process that moves from the initial artistic vision to a durable bronze casting. The statue is titled "Earth to City: Rhapsody of the Wild King." An official date for the public unveiling remains unannounced.
The Artistic Vision of the Wild King
The name chosen by the artist reflects the unique life of the big cat. Matano designed the sculpture to highlight the interaction between wild nature and the dense urban environment of Los Angeles. He wanted the composition to feel emotional rather than serving as a traditional, static memorial.
"The idea of the wild entering Los Angeles and awakening the city to the nature already within it; creating a sweeping, emotional composition rather than a conventional memorial; and transforming P-22 into a king not because he dominated the territory but rather because he lived according to his own nature and captured the heart of a city," Matano stated regarding his inspiration.
A Life Shaped by Urban Obstacles
P-22 gained fame for his resilience on the fringes of Southern California cities. He participated in a long-term study conducted by the National Park Service, which used his movements to show how wildlife survives in fragmented habitats. His journey into the park was a massive feat. He successfully navigated a path that included crossing the 405 Freeway, several residential neighborhoods in West Los Angeles, and the 101 Freeway.
Photographer Steve Winter captured the cat's most recognizable image in 2013. The shot showed the mountain lion in full stride against the backdrop of the Hollywood sign. This single image helped cement the lion as a local celebrity and brought widespread attention to the challenges faced by mountain lions isolated by sprawling highway networks.
Health Struggles and Final Days
Veterinarians euthanized P-22 in December 2022 after he reached the age of 11. An evaluation revealed the cat suffered from severe injuries and chronic health issues that likely stemmed from an encounter with a motor vehicle. He had an eye injury, localized arthritis, and irreversible kidney disease.
He had lived in Griffith Park since at least February 2012, when cameras first documented his presence. He was captured and fitted with a GPS tracking collar shortly after in March 2012. Throughout his years in the park, he remained a solitary animal with no access to a mate, yet he managed to maintain a territory that captured the interest of millions.
Funding and Industry Context
Donations from Joann and Frank Randall provided the necessary funding for the commission. The National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign and Friends of Griffith Park backed the effort to honor the cat’s legacy. Public art tributes for wildlife are rare, yet they highlight an increasing shift in urban planning toward ecological connectivity.
Wildlife crossings, such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing currently under construction over the 101 Freeway, are the modern follow-up to the lessons learned from P-22. As the city grows, these projects aim to provide corridors for animals to roam safely. The P-22 statue will eventually stand as a reminder of why these infrastructure investments are necessary for the region's long-term environmental health.