A new exhibit is planned for the National Zoo in Washington, DC. The habitat — for a pair of Arabian leopards — is being funded by a $51.6 million gift from Saudi royals.
The upcoming exhibit will be the first location outside of the Arabian Peninsula where guests can see the critically endangered species. Arabian leopards are the smallest of the eight leopard subspecies. Today, only about 120 are alive in the wild.
This project is a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The two organizations have been working to save the species from extinction.
Construction on the new exhibit will begin in late summer 2026, with a goal to open in 2029. The design will reflect the landscape of the Arabian Peninsula through “forms inspired by rocky outcrops, desert terrain, and wadi-carved landforms,” per a NZCBI news release. It will include indoor and outdoor viewing areas and a live webcam for remote viewing.
RCU’s donation is the largest in the National Zoo’s history, Axios reported.
Two Arabian leopards will be transported to DC from RCU’s breeding facility under a 15-year agreement. It’s a setup reminiscent of the agreement between the U.S. and China that allows the Smithsonian to host giant pandas.
As part of the Arabian leopard agreement, any cubs born at the zoo will be transferred to Saudi Arabia. Throughout the collaboration, both NZCBI and RCU will conduct cooperative research projects on genetics, reproduction, animal welfare, and population management.
The National Capital Planning Commission will review the plans for the exhibit in a hearing on Thursday.
Feature image courtesy Royal Commission for AlUla
