Injuries, Parasites To Kronis Sick, The Famous Mountain Lion In Los Angeles Is Dead

P-22 California mountain lion. (Source: Natural Museum History/Miguel Ordenana)

JAKARTA - A well-known mountain lion that has been a celebrity in Los Angeles, United States for more than a decade was put to death last week due to severe health problems, California officials announced.

An old mountain lion, called the P-22 and estimated to be around 12 years old, was arrested in Los Feliz's backyard amid fears he was hit by a car and suffering from other health problems.

The cat, which crosses a busy highway to live in and around Los Angeles Griffith Park, became a symbol of a campaign to save California's threatened mountain lion population.

He was put to sleep (euthanasia) at 9 a.m. Saturday last week at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, officials at the California Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (CDFW) said.

Tests on the P-22 reveal "significant trauma to the head of a mountain lion, right eye and internal organs, confirming a recent alleged injury, such as being hit by a vehicle," officials said.

Examinations also found irreversible kidney disease, chronic weight loss, extensive parasitic skin infections throughout his body and local joint inflammation, officials said.

"Based on these factors, euthanasia with general anesthesia is unanimously recommended by the medical team at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park," CDFW said.

Beth Pratt, a lifelong advocate for wildlife who has been fighting for P-22 for a decade, posted a speech for a mountain lion on the National Wildlife Federation website. He was with him when he died.

"I sat near him, looked him in the eye for a few minutes, and told him he was a good boy. I told him how much I love him," Pratt wrote.

Pratt praised "the brave spirit, charm, and onlyattzpah," adding: "The P-22 journey to and from Griffith Park is a miracle. My hope is that future mountain lions will be able to walk on the P-22 ladder without risking their lives on the streets and streets of California."

Meanwhile, officials said the P-22 deaths were caused by habitat loss and fragmentation, calling for the construction of more wildlife crossings in urban areas and well-planned space for them to explore.

"The P-22 mountain line has an extraordinary life, capturing the hearts of the Los Angeles people and their surroundings. The most difficult, but loving option is to respectfully minimize its suffering and stress by ending its journey humanely," the CDFW said in a statement.