Saudi Arabia to Send Critically Endangered Arabian Leopards to U.S. National Zoo
Landmark conservation pact will bring Saudi-bred leopards to Washington as part of international species recovery effort
Saudi Arabia and the United States have struck a significant wildlife conservation agreement under which a pair of critically endangered Arabian leopards will be placed on loan at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. The agreement, announced in May and confirmed by the Saudi state-news agency in November, is designed to bolster captive-breeding and scientific-research efforts aimed at rescuing one of the world’s rarest big cats.
Fewer than 120 Arabian leopards (Panthera pardus nimr) are estimated to survive in the wild, concentrated in fragmented populations of Oman and Yemen, while the species is likely extinct in the wild in Saudi Arabia.
The central pillar of the partnership is a loan of two leopards from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s breeding centre to the U.S., where a purpose-built exhibit will showcase the animals, raise public awareness, and support genetic research.
The Saudi-U.S. initiative reflects the kingdom’s broader ‘Vision 2030’ ambition to lead in ecological regeneration and global conservation leadership.
In Saudi Arabia, the breeding centre in Taif has seen significant success, including the birth of triplet cubs in 2024. The National Zoo will become the only institution in the United States to host the species, providing a vital safety-net population for the animals.
While the initial announcement framed the move largely as a conservation measure, it also comes amid expanding strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
The leopards’ transfer adds a distinctive but subtle dimension to a deepening bilateral relationship that includes arms, energy and economic agreements.
Officials say preparations are beginning for the leopards’ arrival, including habitat design, logistical planning and regulatory clearances.
While no firm date has been announced, both agencies expect the animals to be ready for transfer within the president’s term.
“Saving the world’s most vulnerable species takes global cooperation, scientific rigour and innovation,” said the director of the National Zoo’s conservation institute.
Saudi authorities described the deal as a tangible expression of the country’s commitment to restoring its natural heritage and galvanising international support for endangered-species recovery.
Fewer than 120 Arabian leopards (Panthera pardus nimr) are estimated to survive in the wild, concentrated in fragmented populations of Oman and Yemen, while the species is likely extinct in the wild in Saudi Arabia.
The central pillar of the partnership is a loan of two leopards from the Royal Commission for AlUla’s breeding centre to the U.S., where a purpose-built exhibit will showcase the animals, raise public awareness, and support genetic research.
The Saudi-U.S. initiative reflects the kingdom’s broader ‘Vision 2030’ ambition to lead in ecological regeneration and global conservation leadership.
In Saudi Arabia, the breeding centre in Taif has seen significant success, including the birth of triplet cubs in 2024. The National Zoo will become the only institution in the United States to host the species, providing a vital safety-net population for the animals.
While the initial announcement framed the move largely as a conservation measure, it also comes amid expanding strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh.
The leopards’ transfer adds a distinctive but subtle dimension to a deepening bilateral relationship that includes arms, energy and economic agreements.
Officials say preparations are beginning for the leopards’ arrival, including habitat design, logistical planning and regulatory clearances.
While no firm date has been announced, both agencies expect the animals to be ready for transfer within the president’s term.
“Saving the world’s most vulnerable species takes global cooperation, scientific rigour and innovation,” said the director of the National Zoo’s conservation institute.
Saudi authorities described the deal as a tangible expression of the country’s commitment to restoring its natural heritage and galvanising international support for endangered-species recovery.
