The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a $114 million project designed to reconnect wildlife habitats in Southern California, is scheduled for its public grand opening on December 2. Humans wishing to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be required to purchase a $10 ticket.
The event will take place at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, with admission set at $10 for individuals aged 13 and older, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
The crossing spans the busy 101 Freeway and is intended to provide a safe passage for mountain lions and other animals in the Santa Monica Mountains, whose habitats have been fragmented by roadways. The project, which has been years in the making, aims to prevent wildlife populations from becoming increasingly isolated.
The construction of the bridge, a 210-foot-long and 174-foot-wide span, involved 26 million pounds of concrete and is designed to support soil and native plants. Initially projected to cost $92 million and be completed by 2025, the final cost rose to $114 million. Construction led to temporary road closures and detours in the Calabasas area.
The initiative was significantly influenced by the story of P-22, a mountain lion known for crossing the 405 and 101 freeways before settling in Griffith Park. His journey helped galvanize support and private donations for the wildlife crossing. The National Wildlife Federation launched its #SaveLACougars campaign in 2014, inspired by P-22's travels.
The public opening event is presented by the National Wildlife Federation's #SaveLACougars campaign and the Wildlife Crossing Fund. The festivities will include tributes to P-22 and will be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person. Organizers stated that the completion of the bridge marks a beginning, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and habitat restoration efforts.