National Zoo Panda Cam Would Go Dark In Shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Officials say the Smithsonian's National Zoo panda cam and all other live animal cameras will go dark in the event of a government shutdown. The zoo will be closed to visitors as well.

The Zoo tweeted Monday that "None of our live animal cams will be broadcast." Officials say this includes the panda cam, which has been popular since the birth of a panda cub on Aug. 23.

The zoo tweeted: "The cams (incl. the panda cams) require federal resources, especially staff, to run. They have not been deemed essential ..."

On its website, the zoo said all programming and events will be canceled, and all vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle paths will be closed.

Officials said a shutdown would not affect the feeding and care of the animals.

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