Overview
- Public access ended Oct. 12 for 21 museums in Washington and New York, 14 research and education centers, and the National Zoo after prior‑year funds were depleted.
- Zoo officials say animals at the National Zoo and the Conservation Biology Institute will continue to be fed and cared for, while non‑essential services such as live cams are turned off.
- The Smithsonian, which receives about 60–62% of its budget from federal sources, has restricted public updates to operating status and directs users to digital resources at si.edu.
- Local tourism businesses, food vendors and tour operators near the National Mall and the Zoo report sharp drops in foot traffic, cancellations and daily revenue losses.
- Congress remains at an impasse, with the Senate scheduling another vote Tuesday to try to end the shutdown after previous efforts fell short.