There are a million lion faces around Venice, since it’s the symbol of St. Mark, the patron of Venice. Here’s a sampling of some from the Museo Correr.
If these guys were protecting my city, I’d be a bit worried. In fact, THEY look a bit worried. 
Why is this one trying to lick a book? He’s in the church of San Michele.
A couple more from the cemetery. Cemetery lions seem much fiercer than royal palace lions.
I think my favorite is #5. he looks like a winged kitten trying to pretend he is a fierce lion.
I think there were only one, maybe two, sculptors who ever even saw a real lion. Several look more like people than animals! I’ll place my bet on number 4 having seen the real thing.
Good point! I heard that a rhino came to Venice, and even an elephant, but they may never have had a lion visit.