I can see where William I would be aware of lions....just as Alaskan Natives may be aware of palm trees.

I can see why he'd adopt the lion for heraldry.

But what are the odds that he ever saw a real live lion eyeball to eyeball?

Did the equivalent of today's circus tour. Did William I travel to where he might see a lion in a zoo-type situation? Did he roam Africa or Asia in Lion Country?

Ron