WASHINGTON — For the first time since last Christmas, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed as emergency funds, that had allowed them to stay open during their usual weeklong schedule, reached their limit as the government shutdown entered its 11th day.

The Smithsonian Institution had managed to keep its 21 museums and the zoo open for the first ten days of the shutdown, operating on prior-year funds more than a week longer than officials originally forecasted.

Although they can't entertain guests, zoo animals, including celebrity pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, would continue to be taken care of and fed by institution staff, Smithsonian officials said.

"A shutdown will not affect our commitment to the safety of our staff and standard of excellence in animal care," Smiths

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