Politics in Washington, D.C. is truly everywhere you look, whether you like it or not, and one of the most iconic examples of that is the National Zoo’s iconic giant pandas!
While the giant pandas have been local celebrities for decades, it all began with what is now commonly referred to as ‘Panda Diplomacy’, as they are linked with the Chinese Government.
In fact, the pandas in D.C. have been the National Zoo’s largest source of donations, with its long-time prominent patron, David Rubenstein, having given over $24 million over the years to fund the pandas’ new, updated habitat, among other conservation efforts.
However, the National Zoo just received its largest donation ever, which more than doubles the amount David Rubenstein has given, to save one of the world’s most critically endangered species!
What the National Zoo’s new largest donor will be paying for
The National Zoo has officially confirmed a new donation totalling $51.6 million from the Saudi Arabian government’s Royal Commission of AlUla, which will specifically go towards building a new habitat for the Arabian Leopard.
While the news of the National Zoo receiving these critically endangered cats first broke in 2025, more information about the exchange has since become available, including the amount of the donation that will cover the cost of the brand-new habitat.
While there are naturally underlying political motivations that could be interpreted with this donation, the reality is that the Arabian Leopard is currently one of the world’s most critically endangered species, with only around 120 left in the wild today, which means that the conservation efforts from the National Zoo will play a critical role in rescuing this species from the brink of extinction.
According to preliminary concept drawings, the new exhibit will be right next to the panda house and feature a massive mesh canopy over a rugged, steep habitat meant to mimic the Arabian Leopard’s natural habitat in the hills of the Arabian Peninsula.
Other reported features include:
- Indoor and outdoor exhibit space for year-round viewing.
- A care facility with space for three leopard dens and a space for cubs.
- A ‘VIP’ viewing space for ‘behind-the-scenes’ spectating.
Construction on the new habitat has yet to break ground, but initial estimates aim for an opening in time for 2029’s peak season.
