The Life and Legacy of P-22 w/ Beth Pratt
Artwork by Jasmine Hortop
Welcome back to Earth to Humans! On our first episode back for the season, Sarinah speaks with special guest, Beth Pratt, Executive Director for California at the National Wildlife Federation and renowned conservationist who has worked tirelessly to protect and restore wildlife habitats across the state (which is huge by the way).
California Director for the National Wildlife Federation and resident badass, Beth Pratt, showing off her P-22 tattoo by Gary Kazanjian/Los Angeles Times
In this episode, we'll be discussing Beth's unique relationship with a certain mountain lion known as P-22, who became a symbol of the coexistence between wildlife and humans in urban areas. P-22 captured the world's attention when he journeyed from the Santa Monica Mountains to Griffith Park, right in the heart of Los Angeles, where he settled down and made his home. His presence in the city provided a rare opportunity for people to connect with wild animals and inspired many to take action to protect the city’s remaining wild spaces.
P-22 in captured in front of the Hollywood sign by Steve Winter/National Geographic
We had Beth on the show back in 2017, but a lot has changed since then. For one, the famed 101 freeway wildlife crossing that was then just an idea still in need of final funding, now looms completed over the huge 10 lane freeway. Unfortunately since our last interview, P-22 was captured by wildlife officials in December 2022 due to concerns related to his health and a few days later, on December 17, 2022, was euthanized.
Our conversation discusses the impact of his loss on the local community and the wider conservation movement as well as the challenges facing urban wildlife and the importance of preserving natural habitats in cities in order to support biodiversity and the survival of these precious predators.
So, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of urban wildlife and learn more about the amazing journey of P-22, the people who have been touched by his impact, and the many urban species he has inadvertently saved due to his global impact.
Episode written and produced by Sarinah Simons
Artwork by Jasmine Hortop