Lions in the Tower

At first I thought these statues were some artistic representation of English bravery.  Richard the Lion Hearted, etc.

However I found out that lions have been in the Tower of London since the 13th century.

The earliest written record of a lion dates back to 1240.

Nikon D700, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm, 1/400 sec at f/8, ISO 200

I was amazed by these lions but could not understand why from a distance I could not determine what material they were made from. Amazing detail and anatomically correct.

Nikon D700, Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100, 1/320 sec at f/2.8, ISO 400

Upon closer examination I realized they were made from chicken wire.  How ironic, ...

Nikon D700, Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100, 1/400 sec at f/2.8, ISO 400