The city of Los Angeles is honoring its most famous mountain lion, known as "P-22," with a bronze sculpture that will be placed at Griffith Park. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) park was once P-22's home, and it has become a symbol of the challenges faced by wildlife in urban environments. The sculpture, created by local artist Adam Matano, will be installed at the park’s visitor center. The National Wildlife Federation supported the project through its Safe LA Cougars campaign, which aims to protect and promote the coexistence of wildlife and people in the region. The sculpture captures P-22 as a muscular, regal figure stepping from one platform to another. The first platform is adorned with images of native animals, while the second showcases local plants. Matano aimed to convey the idea of the wild entering the city and awakening people to the natural world already present in Los Angeles. He described P-22 as a king not for dominating territory, but for living in harmony with his nature and capturing the hearts of city dwellers. P-22, who was fitted with a GPS collar, became a local celebrity after his movements were tracked and reported in the media. Born in the Santa Monica Mountains, he famously crossed several busy freeways to reach Griffith Park, a feat that highlighted the need for safer wildlife corridors. This experience helped inspire the Wallis Annenberg wildlife crossing, set to open in December. This massive structure is expected to improve genetic diversity among the mountain lion population, which has shown signs of inbreeding due to limited movement between habitats. P-22 was euthanized in December 2022 after he attacked a leashed dog and began showing signs of declining health, likely due to a vehicle collision. Wildlife officials estimated his age at 12 years, which is considered old for a mountain lion. His life and legacy continue to influence conservation efforts in Los Angeles, reminding people of the delicate balance between urban expansion and the preservation of natural wildlife.