Smithsonian National Zoo and Museums to Close Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo to Close Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. — As the government shutdown continues to unfold, the Smithsonian Institution has announced that all of its facilities, including the National Zoo, will close starting Sunday, October 12. This decision comes as the federal trust runs out of funds, leaving the beloved cultural and educational sites unable to operate.

In a statement shared on social media, the Smithsonian reassured the public, saying, “We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status.” The closure affects all 21 Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo, which has been a cherished destination for families and animal lovers alike.

Concerns have been raised on social media regarding the welfare of the animals during this shutdown. The Smithsonian has addressed these worries, confirming that all animals at the zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue to receive care and feeding. “A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care,” the institution stated.

However, the zoo’s popular animal cams, which allow viewers to watch the animals in real-time, will be turned off during the closure as they are deemed nonessential.

The Smithsonian relies heavily on federal funding, with approximately 62% of its budget coming from the government, which supports free admission to its museums and the National Zoo. Prior to this announcement, the Smithsonian had managed to keep its doors open for the first 11 days of the shutdown by utilizing prior-year funds, but those resources have now been depleted.

The Smithsonian is not alone in facing the repercussions of the ongoing funding dispute. Several national parks across the country have also been forced to close, as staff members have been classified as nonessential and sent home until Congress can reach a funding agreement.

In a broader context, the shutdown has led to significant disruptions across various federal agencies. On Friday, thousands of federal employees from departments such as Health and Human Services and Education received reduction in force notices, indicating impending layoffs.

As the nation waits for a resolution, the closure of the Smithsonian and its facilities serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of the ongoing government shutdown. For now, the fate of the beloved panda Bao Li and other animals at the National Zoo hangs in the balance, as the community hopes for a swift end to the impasse.