The National Zoo turned off its Panda Cam Tuesday morning hours after Congress failed to meet the deadline to avert a government shutdown.
Following the news that the zoo's Panda Cam would go dark in the event of a government shutdown, readers took to Twitter to vent their frustration, poke fun -- and post reminders that there are many more serious concerns.
The National Zoo posted signs that it would be closed to the public Tuesday. The zoo's online cameras were turned off because they require government resources which are not deemed essential, a zoo spokesperson confirmed to NBC Washington Monday morning.
"Armageddon," quipped Texas Red (@jswifty250).
"Drama," wrote Gretchen Hamel (@DCgretchen).
Essential personnel will still take care of the animals, of course.
"A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care," zoo officials said Monday.
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@nbcwashington @EmilyBaucum No PandaCam? What kind of monsters ARE you people??? — dave retama (@retinascan) September 30, 2013
@retinascan We're exploring the more serious effects of a government shutdown for 5. But people love their pandas! :) — Emily Baucum (@EmilyBaucum) September 30, 2013
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