Due to Government Shutdown, Panda Cam Goes Dark

The National Zoo tweeted that live cameras on animals – including the popular ‘Giant Panda Cam’ – have been deemed non-essential in the wake of the government shutdown. 

A new panda cub was born on August 23 – a rare event – and the webcam became extremely popular. But since the camera requires federal resources (especially staff, as the Zoo tweeted yesterday) to run, it has now gone dark.