P-22

The story of L.A.’s most famous feline.

P-22 next to Hollywood sign
Image courtesy of Steve Winter and National Geographic

General Info

Free with Museum Admission
Free for Members

Read about L.A.'s celebration of P-22's legacy in the New York Times.



Update on P22 (March 6, 2023)

In a private ceremony led by members of local Native American Tribes, the much beloved and famous feline P-22 was buried on Saturday, March 4 in the Santa Monica Mountains. NHMLAC scientists were tasked with the job of transferring his remains, with pallbearers in escort, to the burial site where Tribal representatives collectively oversaw this historically significant ceremony. The death of P-22 has affected all of us and he will forever be a revered icon and ambassador for wildlife conservation. 


Read about his legacy

P-22 EXHIBIT

A mountain lion, named P-22, lived in the heart of Los Angeles. He crossed two major freeways to get from the Santa Monica Mountains to Griffith Park, where shared eight square miles of parkland with hikers and picnickers. This intimate exhibition brings you into his territory and describes the efforts of NHMLAC staff to track and learn from this charismatic cat.

Two girls near Griffith Park sign looking at map in P-22 exhibition

Topographic map of Griffith Park.

Children jumping on highway projection in P-22 exhibition

Children jumping on highway projection in the P-22 exhibition.

Close up photo of P-22, a mountain lion

Photo of P-22 taken by a camera trap.

Introductory sign, shaped like a tree, in P-22 exhibition

Welcome to P-22, the story of a famous feline.

Mother and daughter looking at topographic map in P-22 exhibition

Topographic map of Griffith Park.

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Topographic map of Griffith Park.

Children jumping on highway projection in the P-22 exhibition.

Photo of P-22 taken by a camera trap.

Welcome to P-22, the story of a famous feline.

Topographic map of Griffith Park.

ALONG THE WAY, YOU'LL:

  • See a map of Griffith Park, where P-22 lived, and hear a soundscape of his habitat.
  • Watch camera trap footage gathered by NHMLAC scientists.
  • Hop between cars as you try to cross the freeway into the mountain lion’s territory.

P-22 images courtesy of Steve Winter.