A P-22 statue? A star on the Walk of Fame? Tribute ideas pour in for famed mountain lion

LOS ANGELES — It was an outpouring of grief befitting any Los Angeles celebrity: glamour shots running in news outlets around the world, stunned fans wearing his face on T-shirts, candles left outside his favorite haunts.

Now, Los Angeles is tackling how to memorialize its beloved resident mountain lion, P-22.

Since the mountain lion was euthanized Saturday after being diagnosed with significant injuries and several chronic illnesses, local officials, wildlife advocates and others whose lives were touched by the cougar have been flooded with suggestions about how Los Angeles should honor one of its best-known residents.

Spontaneous tributes have already popped up where P-22 was known to prowl. In Los Feliz, an offering on Vermont Avenue included P-22 prayer candles, a portrait of the big cat and — two Chihuahua statuettes. A restaurant on Sunset Boulevard changed its marquee to read, "Rest in Puma, P-22. Love, LA." And at the entrance to Griffith Park on Fern Dell Drive, a bronze bear statue held a bouquet of roses in its paws.