It would be impossible to squeeze everything about the renowned P-22 mountain lion onto a two-inch square postage stamp.
Nonetheless, three members of Congress asked the U.S. Postal Service on Friday, Feb. 3, to create a commemorative stamp honoring the passing of Los Angeles’ beloved cougar, known as the “Hollywood Cat.”
“P-22 was many things: our favorite celebrity neighbor, the occasional troublemaker, and a beloved mascot for our city,” Reps. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank; Julia Brownley, D-Los Angeles; and Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, wrote in a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, appointed by the Postmaster General to choose subjects for recommendation as future stamp issues.
The three members of Congress wrote, “His exploits were followed not just by ordinary community members, but he had a devoted following online, and his comings and goings were even tracked by the local news. But most of all, he was a magnificent and wild creature, who reminded us all that we are part of a natural world so much greater than ourselves. Even in Los Angeles.”