In ancient times, why not put tigers in front of the yamen, but put lions that China didn't have?

In ancient times, why not put tigers in front of the yamen, but put lions that China didn't have? Everyone knows that the word lion and the word teacher are anti-dog, and the word teacher has the meaning of army in ancient times. If there is an anti-dog, it means an animal, which can reflect the strength of a lion. If there are a pair of stone lions at the door, it means that the yamen seems to have great power, which gives people a shock and represents a kind of majesty. The lion is the king of all animals, and its appearance gives people a very dignified and noble feeling. Therefore, in ancient times, lions were compared to kings. According to the traditional custom, placing stone lions at the door has played a role in protecting the family in the town house. They are fierce in appearance, but docile in heart. So there were a pair of stone lions at the entrance of the ancient yamen and at the home of the dignitaries.