PHOTOS: Angelenos flock to the Greek Theater to celebrate the legacy of P-22

Genaro Molina
·1 min read
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 4, 2023 - Joey Salehi, foreground, Jared North and Scotch Crisostomo have their picture made with a cutout of P-22 at the "celebration of life" for L.A.'s famous mountain lion, P-22 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on February 4, 2023. The cutout is from a photograph by National Geographic photographer Steve Winter. The National Wildlife Federation oversaw the event attended by thousands and included presentations by actor Rainn Wilson, Mountain Lion Biologist Jeff Sikich, Congressmen Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu, National Geographic photographer Steve Winter and Native American representatives with the Gabrielino Tongva and Chumash. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
From left, Joey Salehi, Jared North and Scotch Crisostomo pose with a cutout of P-22, based on a photo by Steve Winter of National Geographic, on Saturday at the Greek Theater. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Thousands of people flocked to the Greek Theater on Saturday to celebrate the legacy of P-22, the mountain lion who lived in Griffith Park for more than a decade.

In an event that lasted more than three hours and was streamed online to thousands of viewers, more than four dozen speakers — including scientists, advocates, politicians and celebrities — honored the puma’s far-reaching impact on environmental advocacy and wildlife research.

Women stand during a blessing by Alan Salazar, Fernando Tataviam, Band of Mission Indians, at the "celebration of life."
Women stand during a blessing by Alan Salazar, a Chumas and Tataviam elder. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Jennifer Johnson wearing a cougar costume attends the "celebration of life" for P-22 at the Greek Theater.
Jennifer Johnson of Long Beach arrives in costume. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Brian Meredith, with the Natural History Museum's Manaer of Performing Arts, operates a string puppet of P-22.
Brian Meredith, with the Natural History Museum, operates a string puppet of P-22. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Students with San Pascual STEAM Magnet Elementary School sing there original song "P-22 We Love You," while playing ukuleles.
Students from San Pascual STEAM Magnet Elementary School sing an original song, "P-22 We Love You," while playing ukuleles. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Warren Dickson with 3rd Rock Hip Hop sings a song in honor of P-22 at the "celebration of life."
Warren Dickson, right, of 3rd Rock Hip Hop, sings. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
National Geographic photographer Steve Winter holds his photo of P-22 with the Hollywood sign, at the "celebration of life."
National Geographic photographer Steve Winter holds his photo of P-22. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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