Abu Dhabi's state-run The National newspaper reported today that police say the owner of the lioness, the buyer and a middleman have been charged after the lioness escaped Thursday in Dubai's al-Barsha neighborhood. She was safely caught and taken to the zoo.
It's largely illegal to keep endangered or threatened wildlife as pets in the United Arab Emirates. However, The National, quoting unnamed officials, says that "exceptions are made for members of the ruling family or anyone who has official authorization and a permit."