P-22, the beloved mountain lion of Griffith Park, has been immortalized in a stunning new mural in East Los Angeles. Artist Paul Jimenez with Ground Floor Murals recently unveiled the work, located near the corner of 4th Street and Soto Street, which features a powerful image of the feline.
The P-22 mountain lion is an iconic symbol of the city of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Sadly, the beloved cat was euthanized after suffering severe injuries likely caused by vehicle collisions. He was first spotted in Griffith Park in 2012 and has since become an inspiring example of how wildlife can overcome the challenge of surviving in an urban setting.
Located at 4231 East 3rd Street in Boyle Heights, the impressive mural features a colorful and realistic portrait of P-22. The artist used a mix of spray paint, markers, and paintbrushes to create a solemn black-and-white image, which depicts a magnificent P-22 with eyes gazing resolutely in the direction of downtown Los Angeles. It captures the majestic nature and fierce courage of the animal, beautifully.
The mural was created to showcase P-22’s unique beauty and to raise awareness about the plight of mountain lions in the wild. The mural serves as a reminder that wildlife is an essential part of our environment to be cherished and protected.
Jimenez’s stunning work was created with support from local residents, organizations, and businesses. As a way to help keep local art alive and accessible to everyone, the artist also held free painting lessons at nearby schools and organizations.
The artist hopes that his mural will remind others to keep working hard in order to achieve their dreams. He has created an image that embodies hope and determination—key components that can be seen in both the spirit of the P-22 mountain lion and the neighborhood of East Los Angeles.
Location: 383 S Margaret Ave Los Angeles, CA 90022