World Lion Day is celebrated on August 10 and here’s a gallery of Sunderland photos to show how the king of the jungle is celebrated on Wearside.
Wallace the Lion is pictured in 1952 and we have the Mowbray Park statue as well as Durham County Cricket Club’s mascot.
Lions at Lambton and even a lollipop lady dressed as one of the creatures are included.
Have a look at these Echo archive photos.
9. Howzat for a memorable scene
Paul Collingwood with Chester the Lion, the mascot of Durham County Cricket Club in April 2011. | se
10. Ollie brushes up on hygiene
Staff members Brydie McAnaney (left), Sydney Pyke and Anthea Griffiths (right) from Oliver's Dentist Studio with mascot Ollie the Lion in July 2015. | David James Wood Photographer/se
11. Handing it to you
Tell us about the nostalgia you want to see in our retro section. Email [email protected] | se