Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed their doors on Oct. 12 because of the nearly two-week-long government shutdown, said the Smithsonian Institution on its website.
The message, which was undated, was issued on Sunday, according to an Epoch Times review of website metadata.
The Smithsonian Institute’s 19 museums and the National Zoo, which it oversees, have remained open since the Oct. 1 shutdown was initiated.
“We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of changes to our operating status,” the Smithsonian said, adding that digital resources would be available on its website.
“A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care,” it said.
Cameras operated by the zoo, however, will be closed since they require federal resources to operate. Online services and business services will also not be available, according to the website.
“During a government shutdown, online services will be temporarily unavailable,” the zoo website said. “This includes logging into your account, booking or exchanging tickets, purchasing or renewing memberships, making donations, and updating your communication preferences.”
The shutdown was initiated after members of Congress failed to pass a stopgap budget measure by Oct. 1.
Democratic lawmakers want any funding measure to include an extension of Obamacare health care subsidies that are due to expire by the end of the year. Republicans say the subsidies can be handled separately.
A day later, President Donald Trump issued a directive to the Department of War to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops are paid by Oct. 15 amid the shutdown.
In that same post, Trump suggested he and Republicans will work together with Democrats to reopen the government to address the health care provision.
