The Merlion (Singapore)

            -  this statue depicts the nation symbol of Singapore ­ a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of fish.  The fish body represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was calledTemasek, which means "sea town" in Javanese.  The lion head represents Singapore's original name — Singapura — meaning "lion city" or "kota singa".

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- the Merlion was originally located by the Esplanade Bridge, just 120 metres from their present location. It's current home is adjacent to One Fullerton, on a newly constructed 2,500 square metre park.

- The symbol was designed by Fraser Brunner, for the logo of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997 and has been its trademarked symbol since 20 July 1966. Although the STB changed their logo in 1997, the STB Act continues to protect the Merlion symbol. Approval must be received from STB before it can be used. The Merlion appears frequently on STB-approved souvenirs.