Smithsonian, National Zoo Close Amid Shutdown | JQJO

Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo shut their doors Sunday as the federal shutdown entered its 13th day, pausing museums, research centers and live animal cams while keeping digital resources online. The institution said animals at the zoo and its conservation institute will continue to be fed and cared for, and staff safety remains a priority. The closure follows White House-announced federal layoffs and comes amid a funding stalemate in Congress. Heavily reliant on federal support, the Smithsonian previously lost visitors and revenue during the 2019 shutdown, as hundreds of thousands of workers are furloughed or working without pay.