Smithsonian's National Zoo to Build New Habitat for Critically Endangered Arabian Leopards from Saudi Arabia

The Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington is currently developing a specialized new habitat slated to open in 2029 for the critically endangered Arabian leopard. As part of a newly announced conservation and research partnership between the Royal Commission for AlUla and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, a breeding pair of these rare big cats is expected to travel to the US from Saudi Arabia.

With fewer than 120 Arabian leopards estimated to remain in the wild, the subspecies is considered one of the rarest on Earth. The two leopards are anticipated to transfer from Saudi Arabia’s conservation breeding programme, pending necessary technical assessments and regulatory approvals concerning animal welfare, genetic suitability, and overall readiness. This Washington habitat aims to introduce the rare cats to an international audience while casting light on ongoing kingdom preservation efforts.

“Protecting the critically endangered Arabian Leopard is long-term work,” stated Abeer Al Akel, chief executive of the Royal Commission for AlUla. “It means restoring the landscapes it needs, strengthening the science behind its recovery, and developing the Saudi conservation talent who will help carry this mission forward. Through our partnership with Smithsonian, [the] RCU is connecting AlUla’s natural legacy with global conservation expertise – building the knowledge, capability and long-term conditions needed to support the species’ recovery.”

The Royal Commission for AlUla currently operates a leopard conservation breeding programme accredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria in Taif, where the managed population has more than double since the commission assumed management. Scientists and animal-care specialists from both organizations will collaborate closely on research, breeding, and genetic diversity management. Furthermore, the collaboration features a professional exchange programme set for next summer at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Virginia for selected Saudi and AlUla students.

Historically widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian leopard population has drastically declined due to severe habitat loss and dwindling prey populations. The species holds deep ties to AlUla, highlighted by ancient rock art and petroglyphs, such as a sandstone replica of an AlUla petroglyph depicting a leopard beneath a horse-drawn chariot that was presented to the Smithsonian during the Washington announcement ceremony.

This initiative directly supports a broader mission to eventually return Arabian leopards to the wild in AlUla. Protected areas now cover more than half of AlUla, accompanied by extensive vegetation restoration and native wildlife reintroductions. The AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seed Bank has produced over one million native plant seedlings, and Sharaan National Park has rehabilitated over 74,400 hectares with rising vegetation cover. More than 1,700 animals have been successfully released across wildlife restoration programmes to rebuild local ecosystems and supply a sustainable prey base.

“Extinction is not inevitable,” remarked Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars director of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. “When we bring together exceptional animal care, cutting-edge science, sustained investment and partners committed for the long term, we can change the future for wildlife. This exhibit will connect millions of people with one of the rarest cats on Earth and with the science and collaboration working to save it.”