What is the anime/animated TV series with huge animal shaped robots (not zoids, but something else)?

When I was younger, there was a TV show that used to air on Zee TV (India). I can't seem to remember the name of the show, but I'm certain this show aired before 1996. It was about kids/people that travelled and moved about in big giant robots that were shaped like animals (Lion, bear etc.). Please help me out, I have posted this question on numerous forums and no one seems to have the answer. It was definitely not ZOIDS as I have watched ZOIDS. Help!!