Escaped Barsha lioness sent to Dubai Zoo

Dubai - The lioness was captured by authorities and then sent to the zoo. She is nervous, but fine and will possibly get better with a little more time.

Residents in the Al Barsha neighbourhood of Dubai might have noticed a stranger roaming their streets Thursday when a lion went out for a stroll.

Media reports state that authorities captured the lion, which had escaped its owner's home.

Dr Reza Khan, Head of the Zoo Section at the Public Parks and Horticulture Department of Dubai Municipality says, "The lioness was brought to the zoo at 11am on Friday after being captured by the Dubai Municipality the previous day."

GALLERY: Wild animal spottings on UAE's roads

The estranged lioness hasn't eaten anything and is still settling in. "We have given her water, but she hasn't eaten yet. We will give her some food after 4pm. By evening she should start eating. These animals can go for a day or two without food."

He asserts that she is nervous, but fine. She will possibly get better with a little more time.

Dubai Municipality controls & confiscates an escaped lion from Al Barsha & Dubai Police are currently investigating pic.twitter.com/eQbwXg43OR
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It is illegal to keep endangered or threatened wild animals as pets in the UAE
Endangered lions, smuggled ivory, stuffed crocodiles, rare birds, deers, falcons and stuffed foxes are among many other internationally banned articles under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 
It is prohibited to sell them or display them in public, without the necessary registration provided by assigned authorities as set forth in Federal Law No. 11 on Regulating and Controlling International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which was issued in 2002.
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi spokesman said, "UAE is intensifying its fight against the illegal trade in endangered specie. According to federal law, all endangered species specimens, included in the Appendices, require a CITES certificate from the country of origin in addition to an export or re-export permit issued from the concerned authorities in the country".
(With inputs from AP, Wam)
 

Previous sightings of big cats on UAE roads

The cheetah watches onlookers who had gathered at the spot in Sharjah. (Supplied photo)

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A cheetah seen at Jumeirah beach in Dubai. (KT file)
The feisty feline identified as a young cheetah by the Dubai Municipality's wildlife specialist Dr Reza Khan - was seen hanging its body outside of the back window, as its owner acted as chauffeur, driving it up and down the road for all to see. 

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• Dubai