The first lion to be used as a mascot by the Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, was born in Dublin Zoo. The lion was given the name Cairbre, a popular medieval Irish name, by the zoo. He was named Slats by the MGM studio. He made his first appearance in 1924 for the film ‘He Who Gets Slapped’.
Slats was born in 1919. It is said that he was suggested as a mascot to the MGM studio by Dublin born Cedric Gibbons. Gibbons was head director for (MGM). He designed the Oscar statuette and was a founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Slats appeared on all MGM films between 1924 and 1928. He died in 1936 having sired 24 cubs.
Cairbre, the first lion used as a mascot by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was born in Dublin Zoo in the year 1919 On This Day.
MGM Lion’s Ryan Brougham 1927