Monument to P-22 Proposal

UPDATE: Grateful for the Journey, Inspired for What’s Ahead

I’m honored to have been named a finalist in the P-22 Memorial Sculpture competition. Though my design was not selected, I'm sure that the chosen artist's work will be a powerful tribute to this extraordinary mountain lion.

My heartfelt thanks to the competition committee, supporters, and all those who’ve dedicated themselves to celebrating P-22’s legacy and protecting our planet's wildlife. I know how much time, passion, and care goes into projects like this.

I continue to believe deeply in this sculpt and the story it tells. Sometimes, when one door closes, another opens. I remain hopeful it will find a home where its message can resonate even more widely—honoring P-22’s remarkable life and inspiring lasting efforts toward coexistence between people and wildlife.

— Richard

P-22 Memorial Proposal: A celebration of his extraordinary life; a call to ongoing action

This proposal pays tribute to P-22 (2010-2022), the legendary mountain lion whose extraordinary journey continues to inspire global efforts toward wildlife conservation. His resilience and solitary passage through Los Angeles fueled movements for coexistence and transformative projects like the Wallis-Annenberg Wildlife Crossing—an essential initiative ensuring safe passage for wildlife across urban landscapes.

Like so many, I was deeply moved by P-22’s heroic yet tragic story. Through this monument, I hope to celebrate his spirit while propelling ongoing action toward a future where wildlife and people thrive side by side. For years, my works have sought to capture the essence of remarkable beings, celebrating their impact and legacy. There is no creature more deserving of commemoration than P-22.

These renders represent an ongoing process, evolving with insights from those who knew him best. Collaboration will refine his likeness and ensure the final form resonates with his true presence.

Special thanks to the memorial committee, Jeff Sikich for P-22’s anatomical measurements, Julie Newsome for providing a scanned copy of his actual track cast for the sculpted paw, and Sherry Mangel-Ferber and Michelle Santucci for their invaluable feedback and critical insights.

Cheers, Richard

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P-22 memorial concept for Griffith Park by Sculptor Richard Becker

Current proposal for the P-22 memorial for Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Over Life-Size Bronze.

Video of current proposal for the P-22 memorial for Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Over Life-Size Bronze.

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept Summary depicting installation seating and visitors interacting

An Uplifting Place for Reflection, Connection, and Action

This sculpture serves as both a tribute and a call to action, honoring P-22’s extraordinary life while fostering a deeper connection between humans and the wildlife we share our world with.

A bright, uplifting space celebrating his resilience and impact.
A design that invites interaction—touch, reflection, and engagement.
A sculpture of timeless bronze with a warm, contemporary finish, ensuring a lasting presence.
Elements infused with his story—his actual paw print cast, along with replicas of his tags and collar, preserving his physical legacy.
An outstretched paw, inviting touch and urging us to do more for wildlife conservation.
Surrounded by obstacles: representing the challenges he endured. These symbolic barriers conveniently serve as places for visitors to pause and reflect, a quiet reminder of how human expansion must go hand in hand with habitat preservation.
A ring of wild plants, encircling his pedestal, bringing nature into the space.
A rim around the base, creating a dedicated place for tributes and flowers, allowing visitors to honor his memory.
He stands forward, looking ahead, embodying hope and perseverance.

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept Summary depicting installation with visitors render

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept in proposed location at Griffith Park

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept in proposed location view from above

Aerial view of proposed P-22 Mountain Lion memorial sculpture placement.
Near the Griffith Park Visitors Center.
Los Angeles, California

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept -- white patina front

Alternate light patina render. Bronze or stone.

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept -- white patina rear

Alternate light patina render. Bronze or stone.

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept -- white patina downward view in grass

Alternate light patina render. Bronze or stone.

P-22 Mountain Lion Concept -- white patina rear overlooing skyline

My hope is that public and private monuments to P-22 will become reminders and catalysts to drive actions that help us successfully coexist and stop driving these amazing beings to extinction.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

— Gandhi

Learn more about P-22 here:
SaveLACougars.org https://savelacougars.org/a-eulogy-for-p-22-a-mountain-lion-who-changed-the-world/

New York Times article: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/17/us/mountain-lion-p22-euthanized.html

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Project: https://101wildlifecrossing.org

The Mountain Lion Foundation: https://mountainlion.org

A remote camera captures P-22 passing a nighttime Hollywood sign in Griffith Park.
(Photo Credit: Steve Winter / National Geographic)

Richard Becker Sculpting Reno and Sedona Mountain Lions

In 2006, Richard sculpting the mountain lions for Lake Poway, California. With Reno and Sedona at The Living Desert in Palm Springs.

RICHARD BECKER, FNSS

Monument to P-22 Proposal