A wild mountain lion famed for walking past the landmark Hollywood sign is the prime suspect in the death of a 14-year-old koala at Los Angeles Zoo.

The lion, who is known to officials as P-22, was captured on CCTV prowling around the zoo on the night of the female koala's violent death.

The large cat is understood to have jumped a 2.4 metre wall before carrying away his marsupial prey, who was named Killarney.

Killarney's remains, which weighed 6.8kg, were found a short distance away from the enclosure.

Deputy Los Angeles Mayor Barbara Romero said only a large predator could have committed the kill.

"Unfortunately, these types of incidents happen when we have a zoo in such close proximity to one of the largest urban parks in the country," she said.

The zoo grounds are housed in Griffith Park, which includes vast wild sections where P-22 roams.

Killarney was suspected of being particularly vulnerable to attack because she often spent time on the ground after dark while most of the other koalas stayed in the trees.

Zoo officials have temporarily moved the remaining 10 koalas indoors, while most of the other zoo animals move inside every night.

Aside from his Hollywood sign fame, P-22 also previously made headlines after being discovered hiding out under a Los Angeles house before leaving under the cover of darkness.

Zoo director John Lewis said P-22 had been on zoo grounds before without "bothering any of the animals or being a nuisance".