With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Griffith Park Mountain Lion Is The Primary Suspect In Zoo Koala's Death
Last Thursday, zookeepers at the Los Angeles Zoo discovered a problem. One of the zoo's koalas had gone missing, leaving behind only a tuft of hair in its place. Zookeepers were baffled, and became even more so when they discovered the mauled body of the marsupial about 400 meters away, according to NBC 4.
Without leads and worried about vandalism, zoo officials reviewed security footage looking for clues. Instead of finding a malicious teenager on the tapes, they saw Griffith Park's most famous resident: P-22.
"We were actually looking for bobcats, and what we found on that night was P-22," zoo director John Lewis told City News Service. "That was the first time we knew he was getting into the zoo."
"The evidence is circumstantial," Lewis told the L.A. Times. "We don't have any video of it taking the koala. We can't say 100%"
Support for LAist comes from
Perhaps the Griffith Park Mountain Lion decided to experiment with some exotic taste, expanding his palate to include exotic Australian flavors not often found in what is probably his usual diet of housecats and rich Chihuahuas? Lewis says they suspect P-22 has also been feasting on raccoons that get onto the zoo's grounds.
Although the killing can't be definitively pinned on the mountain lion, this isn't stopping the call from some people for wanting P-22 out. L.A. City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell says that though P-22 is certainly loved, Griffith Park is not the best place for him. As he said in a statement:
Regardless of what predator killed the koala, this tragedy just emphasizes the need to contemplate relocating P-22 to a safer, more remote wild area where he has adequate space to roam without the possibility of human interaction... P-22 is maturing, will continue to wander, and runs the risk of a fatal freeway crossing as he searches for a mate. As much as we love P-22 at Griffith Park, we know the park is not ultimately suitable for him. We should consider resettling him in the environment he needs.
Lewis, however, disagreed. Despite the loss of one of their own animals, he said the zoo was happy to remains neighbors with the big cat. "There's a lot of native wildlife in this area. This is their home. So we'll learn to adapt to P-22 just like he's learned to adapt to us."
P-22 was catapulted to fame a few years ago, after National Geographic wildlife photographer Steve Winter captured a magnificent image of the animal backdropped by the Hollywood sign.
Since his debut, P-22 has been in-and-out of the spotlight. In April of 2014, fans were worried when photos surfaced of P-22 sick with mange, most likely as a result of rat poison in his prey. He recovered, but it wasn't long before he made headlines again for holing up beneath a house in Los Feliz.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden board walk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
Best of LAist