MentalFrog, we use non-contact 3D digitizers to do all of our scans. Our primary scanner is a Konica Minolta 9i but we have two older Cyberware scanners, the MS and M15 (which are still awesome in my book), and of course a Next Engine. We are currently checking out Brueckman (amazing structured light scanners) to potentially add another tool to our chest.
We do have the capabilities to process CT data but do not have a CT scanner in house, we work with local radiology departments and other institutions to acquire the scans and then process them here (we use Mimics to do that). Other software that we use for building and mesh correction / cleanup / orientation etc. is Geomagic Studio and we throw in some Blender and Daz for good measure.
Aside from that, outside of the scanning software and authoring tools that come bundled with the hardware, Z-brush and Photoshop are our primary finishing tools.
We would be happy to have you, feel free to swing through anytime and we can show you the gear and facility
Ill be adding some more images shortly.
Thanks for the comments!
Cheers!
ETA: Santis, we have never done a lion but we have done some other big cats that might be of help to you as reference material. They can be found on one of our main model sites called VZAP (http://vzap.iri.isu.edu/ViewPage.aspx?id=230), a Canadian lynx for sure, a Bobcat or two and there may be a Mountain Lion up there as well but I would have to check.
All of the models on that page can be accessed for free as 3D pdf's so you will need a current version of adobe acrobat to view them but there are also high quality 2D photos of the bones available as well. Keep in mind when viewing them that we have to decimate down to about 1/10th of the surface resolution / mesh density in order to make them distributable online but if you see something and need a better view send me a PM and Ill put some stuff up in the thread. Good Luck!!