NEW YORK, Oct 9, (Agencies): In a real-life Disney-worthy story, a mountain lion named P-22, hindered by L.A. freeways in his quest for a mate, has become a celebrity and ignited the creation of the world's largest wildlife overpass.

Surviving in a mere eight-square-mile territory, a fraction of the typical 150-mile range for male mountain lions, P-22 roamed the neighborhoods near Los Angeles' Griffith Park. He became a beloved figure among Hollywood stars and locals, with residents regarding him as a neighbor, often sharing photos of his visits during their evening dinners.

Beth Pratt, California Director of the National Wildlife Federation, shared P-22's story, revealing how he lived amidst the urban sprawl without posing a threat, and even spotting him from her deck. His popularity spurred a desire to help him and other wildlife access areas beyond the bustling six-lane 101 Freeway. The concept of a wildlife overpass garnered attention, but funding remained a significant challenge.

Pratt, who typically prefers outdoor gear, found herself in Bel Air's upscale mansions, seeking endowments for the cause. Celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Rainn Wilson, Barbra Streisand, David Crosby, and support from Watts residents in South Los Angeles flooded in. For Watts residents, P-22 symbolized a social justice hero, affected by the injustice of freeways dividing communities.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Overpass, set to open in two years, will accommodate 300,000 to 400,000 daily vehicles while protecting wildlife. The overpass includes specially designed sound walls, tall trees, and lush plantings to mitigate freeway noise, as well as address animals' aversion to bright lights.

This public-private project, led by the National Wildlife Federation and California's transportation department, received substantial private funding, notably $26 million from philanthropist Wallis Annenberg. Over two decades, the National Park Service meticulously researched the overpass's ideal location.

Wildlife crossings, initially developed in France in the 1950s, have since proliferated across Europe, especially in the Netherlands. These corridors effectively aid animals, including the not-so-intelligent koalas in Australia, which adapted to tunnels and bridges in under three weeks.

Similarly, Canada's Banff National Park boasts successful wildlife bridges and underpasses that benefit various large animals. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and cougars all utilize these crossings, aiding in sustaining their populations.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Overpass aims to facilitate such connections for local cougars, whose habitat is bisected by the freeway. Each year, one to two million large animals die on U.S. roads due to vehicle accidents, with countless smaller creatures also affected.

Support for wildlife crossings transcends political affiliations, as people unite in their love for wildlife and desire to protect it. Beyond environmental benefits, these infrastructure projects create jobs and enhance human safety.

Beth Pratt emphasized that the solution to this environmental problem is straightforward, provided adequate funding is secured.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing stands apart from other wildlife overpasses worldwide due to its planned ecosystem atop the structure. Native, fire-resistant plants are being cultivated in a nearby nursery, aligning with the surrounding ecosystem and addressing climate concerns. The removal of invasive fire-fueling plants and the underground placement of utility poles further contribute to fire resistance.

P-22 may not live to use the overpass he inspired, but his legacy has ensured a brighter future for other mountain lions in the region. His celebrity status played a vital role in the realization of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a testament to his positive influence and enduring impact.