Famed LA Mountain Lion P-22 Euthanized Following Health Problems Transcript

Tough decision. It was the right decision. This animal did not deserve to suffer.

Now at six, emotions running high among animal lovers after today’s decision to euthanize LA’s famous mountain lion P-22. Good evening, everyone. I’m Ross Palombo.

And I’m Lesley Marin. Now, P-22 survived in LA’s urban jungle for more than a decade.

But sadly, he’s now had to be euthanized because of multiple injuries and chronic health problems. CBS2’s Jake Reiner has that story.

Most everyone across the southland, especially near the Santa Monica Mountains and Griffith Park, know of P-22.

If there’s one mountain lion people know it’s probably that name.

Since 2012, the mountain lion has become a celebrity, a living research vessel.

Been tracked. It’s been talked about each year.

And a symbol for the National Park Services lion tracking effort. But Saturday morning, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the medical team at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where P-22 was being cared for, made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him.

It was a tough decision. It was the right decision. This animal did not deserve to suffer.

And I will rest hoping that yesterday might have been his last best day versus kind of continuing his situation and eventually his last day being his worst day.

His worst day was last Sunday. Fish and Wildlife says it’s possible P-22 was hit by a vehicle, given the significant trauma to his head, right eye, and internal organs observed after it was captured Monday. Additional testing showed preexisting illnesses, which included irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, a skin infection, and arthritis.

Although he’s physically not with us anymore, in his spirit, P-22 is going to contribute to multiple research studies, genetics, reproduction, and health, to benefit both Los Angeles’ and California’s mountain lions.

Gone but never forgotten. The legend of P-22 will live on in one form or another, leaving residents with hope for a new breakout star.

We’ll have to find another one to follow in the future, but it’s sad to see P-22 go.

So there will be a memorial planned for P-22. Wildlife officials say it’ll take place sometime after the holidays, and as for P-22’s body, they say it’ll be transported from San Diego back to Los Angeles and eventually end up at the Natural History Museum. In Griffith Park, I’m Jake Reiner, CBS2 News.

Governor Gavin Newsom, releasing a statement on P-22 saying, “P-22 was an icon. His incredible journey helped inspire a new era of urban conservation, including the world’s largest wildlife crossing in California. I grew up loving these cats. Thinking of my dad today, who was a wildlife activist and taught me about protecting these precious animals”.

And Congressman Adam Schiff represents the area where P-22 roamed. He released a statement writing in part, “P-22 was many things. Our favorite celebrity neighbor, the occasional troublemaker, and a beloved mascot for our city. It has been an honor to be his voice in Congress.”