Water lion turtle

The water lion turtle was a creature that lived during the era before the Avatar, where it served as one of the protectors of mankind. This lion turtle possessed the ability to bestow waterbending unto people.

History
As a protector of mankind, the water lion turtle carried a city on its shell, protecting the humans that lived in it. Whenever they needed food, the lion turtle bestowed them with the power to waterbend in order to ensure their safety while they roamed the Spirit Wilds, and took it away again after they returned.

During his journey to learn and master all four elements, Wan visited this lion turtle, who then bestowed him with the ability to waterbend.

Along with the rest of its kind, save for one, it was hunted and killed.