The big cat known as P-22, who eked out his existence in Griffith Park for over 10 years, suffered from kidney disease, arthritis and other chronic conditions before his death in December, according to the final results of a necropsy released Wednesday.
P-22 was euthanized after state wildlife officials captured him and found he was suffering from several long-term health problems as well as injuries from being hit by a car. The final necropsy report showed that skull fracture, which officials said was "consistent with reports of a vehicle strike the night before he was captured." It also showed injuries from older trauma, including a rupture of the diaphragm through which his liver had herniated into his chest cavity.
The necropsy found a severe parasitic skin infection and a ringworm infection. It also confirmed prior diagnoses that P-22 was "underweight, arthritic and suffering from progressive and incurable kidney disease," according to a news release.
