WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Americans woke up Tuesday to learn Congress failed to reach an agreement forcing the government to shut down, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s livestream of the adorable panda cams also went black.
According to a news release sent by the zoo, none of the live animal cams will be streamed:
If the federal government shuts down on October 1, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will be closed to the public. All programming and events will be canceled. All vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle paths into the Zoo will be closed. None of our live animal cams will broadcast.
Sadly, along with the closure of 368 National Park Service sites, the adoring public will not be able to watch the zoo’s livestream of 233-pound panda Mei Xiang cuddling with her 3.07-pound baby girl.
According to the National Zoo, the animals will continue to be fed and cared for, and a shutdown will not affect the safety of staff or the standard of animal care.
The animals will be fed & cared for. A #shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff & excellence in animal care.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) September 30, 2013
Along with the popular panda cams, the Statue of Liberty was forced to close Tuesday morning, along with other tourist spots like the Lincoln Memorial.