Beautiful, elusive and critically endangered, the Arabian leopard is among the rarest animals on Earth. Soon, visitors will encounter this remarkable species in a brand-new habitat at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
As the only destination outside the Arabian Peninsula to exhibit Arabian leopards, this exhibit will connect visitors to a global conservation effort in support of this fascinating species. Close-up animal experiences and compelling storytelling will take visitors on a journey of discovery, emphasizing the science that makes conservation recovery possible.
Building a Future
Scheduled to open in 2029, Saudi Arabia: Arabian Leopard will be the home of a breeding pair of Arabian leopards. The exhibit's design draws inspiration from the rugged landforms and traditional architecture of the Arabian Peninsula. Included in the layout are two large outdoor habitat areas, complete with an overhead animal crossing, to immerse visitors inside the leopards’ world and encourage the animals' natural behaviors. Throughout the exhibit, interpretive materials explore the science working to bring the leopards back from the edge of extinction, from genetics and reproductive research to husbandry and population management.
Visitors will also be able to watch the leopards on a live webcam, offering an unprecedented look into the animals' daily lives.
Conceptual Renderings of the New Exhibit
A rendering of the habitat entrance, seen from the entrance near Panda Plaza. This new habitat replaces the former American Bison and Zoo in Your Backyard exhibits.
A rendering of the animal care building and outdoor yards. The design is influenced by the rocky cliffs and wadi-carved landforms of the Arabian peninsula.
The exhibit will feature a central shade plaza for visitors and an indoor day room to keep the animals comfortable year-round.
If you have questions about the exhibit's design or construction, please email [email protected].
One of the Rarest Big Cats
Arabian leopards are the smallest of the eight leopard subspecies. They once lived throughout the Arabian Peninsula, but currently survive in just a fraction of their historic range. No more than 120 are believed to remain in the wild.
A Science-Driven Conservation Partnership
Our partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is grounded in shared conservation goals, scientific rigor and a commitment to long-term outcomes for one of the world’s rarest big cat species. The RCU leads the global recovery of the Arabian leopard, advancing habitat restoration, conservation breeding, genetic resilience and long-term rewilding efforts across the species’ native range. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute strengthens this effort through decades of conservation science, animal care and research expertise. Together, the partners advance a comprehensive recovery strategy that includes collaborative research, scientific exchange, professional training and global public engagement.
