Lion vulture

Lion vultures are hybridized creatures that were used for Fire Nation animal circus acts.

Anatomy
The lion vulture is a large bird that has the head and wings of a vulture and the body of a lion. Its head and neck have no feathers, while its wings and upper body have black feathers. The mane of the lion vulture is made of white feathers, and it surrounds the base of the neck, as opposed to the back of the head as in lions. Its feet and under-body are that of a lion, with tawny colored fur.

Connection
The lion vulture takes many of its qualities from the mythological griffin and the vulture.

Behavior
The lion vulture appears to be a vegetarian, or at least appreciates cabbage, which is contradictory to both of its inspirational animals. Lion vultures can be trained to perform in circus performances.