What animal appears in the Holden emblem?

The animal in the Holden emblem is a lion.

Holden’s emblem shows a lion rolling a stone, a design inspired by the ancient observation that lions were associated with rolling stones. The motif became a distinctive symbol for the Australian carmaker and was used on badges, grilles, advertising, and other company materials.

Holden began as a saddlery business in 1856 and later entered automobile production. General Motors acquired a controlling interest in the company in 1931, and Holden became a major Australian vehicle brand. The lion-and-stone image remained tied to Holden’s identity even as the company’s products and ownership changed.

The emblem is sometimes confused with Peugeot’s lion or the lion used in other heraldic badges. Holden’s specific version is recognizable because the lion is shown interacting with a stone, rather than simply standing or leaping.