Panda Cam Goes Dark Due To Government Shutdown
Won’t someone think of the pandas! The government shutdown has caused a wide range of problems but none are more devastating, or more cute killing, than the suspension of the panda cam.
That’s right, animal lovers, you will no longer be able to watch the Smithsonian National Zoo’s panda cam.
That may not sound like too big of a deal but keep this in mind: There’s a lot of baby panda action that we will not be able to watch now.
I know. I’m devastated too.
CNN notes that the zoo will still feed and take care of the animals during the shutdown. But all non-essential programs, like the panda cam, have been shutdown.
The zoo writes on Facebook: “All the animals 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.”
Of course, it’s a different story with employees. CNet reports that the the Smithsonian, which has more than 4,000 employees, will only be allowed to keep working at the zoo during the shutdown.
Unfortunately, that means that the zoo, as well as the museum, will also be closed.
The Smithsonian writes on Facebook: “Due the federal government shutdown, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed to the public. Museum programming and events are also canceled.”
None of our live animal cams will broadcast during the #shutdown. The cams require federal resources, primarily staff, to run and broadcast.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) October 1, 2013
All animals will continue to be fed & cared for. A #shutdown won’t affect our commitment to the safety of staff & excellence in animal care.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) October 1, 2013
