Beautiful, elusive, and critically endangered, the Arabian leopard is among the rarest animals on Earth. Soon, visitors will be able to see this remarkable species at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
As the only destination outside the Arabian Peninsula where people can view Arabian leopards, the Zoo will connect visitors in Washington, D.C. to a global effort to protect the species. Through compelling storytelling and close-up experiences, the Zoo will guide visitors on a journey to understand and help protect this extraordinary cat.
Building a Future for a Critically Endangered Icon
Scheduled to open in 2029, Saudi Arabia: Arabian Leopard is a new animal habitat that will house a breeding pair of Arabian leopards. Located on the western end of the Zoo near the Asia Trail, this modern exhibit takes inspiration from the rugged landforms and traditional architecture of the Arabian Peninsula.
The outdoor habitat areas and an overhead animal crossing will let visitors step inside the leopards’ world. An indoor habitat and care facilities will keep the animals comfortable year-round. Exhibit signs and interactive elements will show the science behind protecting a species, from genetics and reproductive research to animal welfare and long-term population management.
Plus, visitors worldwide will be able to watch the leopards on a live webcam, offering a look into the animals' daily lives and the science working to bring them back from the edge of extinction.
Conceptual Renderings of the New Exhibit
A rendering of the habitat entrance, seen from the entrance near the vehicle check-in lot. This new habitat will replace 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.
If you have questions about the exhibit's design or construction, please email preservation@si.edu.
One of the Rarest Big Cats
Arabian leopards are the smallest of the eight leopard subspecies. They once lived throughout the Arabian Peninsula, but today the cats survive in just a small 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 Royal Commission for AlUla (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.
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