Superstar L.A. mountain lion P-22 euthanized following harm
The beloved celeb mountain lion who roamed within the coronary heart of Los Angeles for greater than a decade, turning into an icon of the conservation motion, was “compassionately euthanized” on Saturday as a result of harm, state wildlife officers introduced.
P-22, as he was identified, was usually seen within the dusty hills of the famed Griffith Park, however officers say they captured him not too long ago for a well being analysis. It was performed at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the place the medical workforce unanimously beneficial euthanasia below anesthesia, stated Jordan Traverso, spokesperson for California Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The massive cat, whose picture has been seen the world over after scientists began tracking him greater than a decade in the past, was captured on Dec. 12 within the Los Feliz neighborhood, not removed from the park, after killing a Chihuahua, the Related Press reported.
The well being workforce ran organ operate exams, an infectious illness screening, ultrasonography and computed tomography scans of the animal’s cranium, chest and stomach.
“The outcomes of those exams and screenings confirmed important trauma to the mountain lion’s head, proper eye and inside organs, confirming the suspicion of latest harm, equivalent to a automobile strike,” Traverso stated in an emailed assertion. “The trauma to his inside organs would require invasive surgical restore.”
The examination additionally revealed a grim image of P-22’s general well being. He had important irreversible kidney illness, persistent weight reduction, a parasitic pores and skin an infection and arthritis.
The illnesses paired with the accidents meant the animal had “no hope for a constructive final result,” in response to Traverso.
The spokesperson stated wildlife legislation enforcement officers aren’t looking for the motive force who could have hit P-22, including that the scenario isn’t the fault of the motive force or the mountain lion. “Somewhat, it’s an eventuality that arises from habitat loss and fragmentation,” he stated, “and it underscores the necessity for considerate building of wildlife crossings and well-planned areas that present wild animals room to roam.”
State lawmakers final yr superior greater than $100 million to pay for wildlife crossing. Earlier this yr, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Secure Roads and Wildlife Safety Act, which directs Caltrans to determine and tackle boundaries that exist in corridors utilized by wildlife.
“P-22’s survival on an island of wilderness within the coronary heart of Los Angeles captivated folks all over the world and revitalized efforts to guard our various native species and ecosystems,” Newsom stated in an emailed assertion.
The governor is the son of William Newsom, a founding father of the Mountain Lion Basis who pushed for protections for the species.
“The enduring mountain lion’s unbelievable journey helped encourage a brand new period of conserving and reconnecting nature…,” Newsom stated.
Joshua Sharpe is a San Francisco Chronicle employees author. E mail: joshua.sharpe@sfchronicle.com
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