Smithsonian museums and National Zoo close temporarily as government shutdown drags on

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Oct. 12, 2025, 11:04 AM EDT


WASHINGTON — The pandas at the National Zoo will find themselves without their usual adoring crowds Sunday when the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and research centers close their doors to the public as funding starts to dry up during the government shutdown.

The Smithsonian announced the temporary closure on X, adding that its social media accounts aren’t likely to be updated until there’s a plan to reopen the federal government.

The zoo and museums had remained open to the public during the shutdown, which began Oct. 1, by using leftover funds from the previous fiscal year. The Smithsonian initially said it would only stay open through Oct. 6, but later extended that window an extra five days.

The Smithsonian, which spans 19 museums, 14 education and research centers and the National Zoo, is primarily funded by the federal government. About 62% of its funding comes from Congress, along with contributions from private sources and revenue from its operations.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/smithsonian-museums-national-zoo-close-temporarily-government-shutdown-rcna236966

[kimbutgar]

1. So are the zoo animals going to die if there is no one to feed them?

[Buddyzbuddy]

2. My thought, exactly.

I seem to vaguely recall a 3rd world country and maybe Russia too, where Gov't workers were relieved of their duties and the animals in the National zoos either died off or were let loose to fend for themselves or roam city streets.

[BumRushDaShow]

3. They will likely be keeping the handlers on for the animals

but everyone else performing support/administrative functioning as well as retail (I think most if not all have concessions to sell stuff), will be furloughed and on site stores closed. Since the "BA" (Budget Authority) funds are drained, they might be able to transfer private funds for the animal care.

The National Zoo has 2 loaned Chinese Giant Pandas, so those need to be well taken care of!

[EarthFirst]

4. "What happens to the animals during a government shutdown?"

What happens to the animals during a government shutdown?

All the animals at the Zoo and at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, will continue to be fed and cared for. A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care.

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/government-shutdown-faqs