Smithsonian to close museums and National Zoo
The Smithsonian Institution said all 21 museums, its research centers, and the National Zoo will close starting Sunday, Oct. 12, as the federal government shutdown exhausts the prior‑year funds that kept doors open for 11 days. The Smithsonian said animals at the zoo and at the Conservation Biology Institute will continue to be fed and cared for, though animal cams will be turned off, and noted about 62% of its budget comes from federal appropriations.
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📌 Key Facts
- All Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo close beginning Oct. 12 due to the shutdown.
- Animals will continue to be cared for; animal cams are considered nonessential and will be offline.
- Smithsonian relies on roughly 62% federal funding and had used prior‑year funds to stay open for 11 days.