1st Post and the details from the Christmas Card if you haven't got it yet.

The Winged Lion (Panthera leo volatilis) is a mammal member of the family FELIDAE from the genus PANTHERA. The male is recognised with its' smaller mane and wings that are attached to its shoulders. Its weight can reach up to 250 kilogrammes and a wingspan of 50 feet.

The winged lion is said to be a symbol of peace. If it is accompanied by a closed book, it is said to be a symbol of war.

The Gates of Xerxes at Perespolis had winged lions at the corner of one entrance.

The British Museum holds an example of a human-headed winged lion; the Shedu were also engraved on tablets and buried under the door's thresholds as they were beneficent protective deities.

Despite an obvious similarity, Panthera leo volatilis has no biological relationship to the records of winged lions. The cats have wings due to Feline Cutaneous Asthenia or felted mats of hair.

Panthera leo volatilis has pneumatised bones and interior air sacs to create a lighter body mass.

There is some controversy over the origin of Panthera leo volatilis' flight, Is the species species an arboralist or a cursorialist?

Panthera leo volatilis has the necessary evolutionary essentials to fly and if we can believe an elephant can fly then we can also believe next year will be a better one than this.

Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year

Http://pantheraleovolatilis.blogspot.com for more details