Saudi Arabia, Smithsonian partner to protect endangered Arabian leopard

WASHINGTON— The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) have dedicated a new habitat for the endangered Arabian leopard in Washington, D.C.

In a major step toward conserving the endangered Arabian leopard, the initiative expands Saudi-US cooperation in wildlife conservation, bringing together experts from RCU and NZCBI to advance scientific research, ecosystem restoration and efforts to secure the species’ long-term survival.

With fewer than 120 Arabian leopards remaining in the wild, the partnership will provide a platform for scientists and conservation specialists from both institutions to collaborate on research and conservation efforts.

Following final technical assessments and regulatory approvals — including evaluations of animal welfare, genetic stability and readiness — a breeding pair of Arabian leopards is expected to travel from Saudi Arabia’s conservation breeding program to the new Washington habitat by 2028.