The Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo are temporarily closed as the government shutdown continues
WASHINGTON — The National Zoo’s pandas will find themselves without their usual crowds Sunday when the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and research centers close their doors to the public as funding begins to dry up during the government shutdown.
Smithsonian Temporary closure announced on XAdding that it is unlikely that her social media accounts will be updated until there is a plan to reopen the federal government.
The zoo and museums remained open to the public during the closure period, which began on October 1, using remaining funds from the previous fiscal year. The Smithsonian initially said it would only remain open through October 6, but later extended that window for an additional five days.
The Smithsonian Institution, which includes 19 museums, 14 educational and research centers, and the National Zoo, is funded primarily by the federal government. on 62% of its financing It comes from Congress, along with contributions from private sources and revenues from its operations.
Enterprise – the world The largest museum and research complex – It is an essential component of tourists’ itineraries to the country’s capital Millions of visitors every year, in part because the zoo and museums offer free admission to the public.
Despite the temporary closure, animals at the zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Center in Virginia will continue to be fed and cared for, as stated in the newsletter. Frequently asked questions page A zoo spokesman confirmed it on Friday.
“All animals at the Zoo and at the Smithsonian Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue to be fed and cared for. The closure will not impact our commitment to the safety of our employees and the level of excellence in animal care,” the FAQ reads.
But the animal cameras, which allow the public to monitor the zoo’s animals in real time, including the famous pandas, will disappear during the temporary closure.
The Smithsonian is the latest tourist attraction to be affected by the closure. National parks have been partially closed since the beginning of the month, although some governors are keeping the parks open by tapping into state funds.
We’d like to hear from you how you’re coping with the government shutdown, whether you’re a federal employee who can’t work right now or someone feeling the effects of the shutdown in your daily life. Please contact us at tips@nbcuni.com Or contact us here.
There is no clear path to reopening the government and providing money to organizations like the Smithsonian.
The Senate has repeatedly failed to pass a House-passed Republican funding bill or a Democratic alternative, creating a cycle that some senators likened to “Groundhog Day.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Los Angeles, said Friday that the House will not reconvene until the Senate approves the Republican funding bill. However, either chamber could be called back at short notice if an agreement is reached to end the lockdown.
The Trump administration has sought solutions to some unpopular aspects of the shutdown. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he will direct the Department of Defense to pay troops this week, as officials and lawmakers expressed concern that military members will not receive their paychecks in mid-October.