Lion represents British. In Africa, Lion is the king of the Jungle, the male lion protect the female lion, but the female lion has to serve the male lion.
Hong Kong was protected by the British, and the Chinese has to serve the British. Most people misunderstand that Lion is the symbol for Chinese. In fact, it is the symbol for British.
The traditional symbol for Chinese, "Kiren (麒麟)" were placed on both side of the building at the entrance of the main door for the purpose to guard against the evil spirit.
左雄右雌 is the example of the misunderstanding. The male and the female lion has the different appearances. If you don't belive me, watch the movie "Lion King". it tells you the different between the male and the female lions. You may be noticed that the lions today that were placed at the door front, they are both male lions.