(Los Angeles) Los Angeles residents and animal lovers wept on Sunday “ hollywood cat “, the famous puma which prowled on the heights of Hollywood.
The elderly feline, about eleven years old, was euthanized on Saturday, wildlife officers said.
Officially dubbed “P-22”, the fawn-furred quadruped was immortalized in a famous National Geographic photo with the famous giant “Hollywood” sign on the hillside in the background.
Agents had decided at the beginning of December to capture him because of his unpredictable behavior, perhaps the consequence of a collision with a vehicle.
According to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, veterinarians spotted that he suffered injuries to his head and right eye and suffered damage to internal organs.
The cougar was also sick with kidneys, thin, suffered from skin infections and arthritis.
“The most difficult but compassionate decision was to end his suffering and stress by ending his life,” the statement said, adding that P-22 had had “an extraordinary life” and had “earned the hearts of Los Angeles residents and more.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the “incredible life” of the iconic big cat, which has “captivated people around the world”.
For his part, Adam Schiff, a parliamentarian from Los Angeles, said he was “heartbroken”.
P-22 “was our favorite famous neighbor, occasional troublemaker and beloved L.A. mascot,” he tweeted.
Griffith Park, a 23 km natural enclave2 where the animal presumably lived for a decade, is surrounded by highways and urban sprawl.
Experts were impressed with the epic ride of P-22, which had to cross two major Los Angeles freeways to reach the park in 2012.
In a report on the animal, the National Park Service lamented that Griffith Park was too small to accommodate another mountain lion and that (P-22) was “unlikely to find love”.
The big “Hollywood cat” became famous by appearing several times to the public, on video or in the flesh.
A Facebook page, created in his honor, has more than 20,000 subscribers.