Lions and tigers and gears, oh my!

[HellCat]

So listening to the theme song for Gekiranger, I was reminded of one of my countless random ponderings- what is it about mecha shows (heck, Japanese series in general) and wild felines? Besides both being awesome of course. Why aren't hot blooded heroes piloting, say, mecha-pelicans instead?

[Naruto D.Luffy]

Maybe it just that when the creators are thinking of a animal for the character to pilot they want something to reflect the character personality.
Or heck, the Japanese just like lions.

[Wounded_Dragon]

Too many attacks from smelly pigeons maybe

[The Weed Of Cri]

Felines are good source material for mechas because they're strong-looking, fast moving and agile. Animal-based mecha should have at least one of these qualities if they're going to look cool, which. let's face it, is the real reason for having mecha in your anime in the first place. That's why you don't see too many mecha-beavers or robo-wombats.

[Weatherman]

They generally want the mecha to be somethign a kid would buy. Robo-peguins probably would sell, but a robo-beaver isn't goign to move any units. Fearsome animals sell, so they get the animation.

[Anyone00]

...but a robo-beaver isn't goign to move any units.

What if it was in a series like... let's say... Gravion?