National Zoo's Panda Cam Back Up After Shutdown Blackout, Cub Cuter Than Ever

Now that the government shutdown is over, Americans can get back to important tasks like watching the panda cub at the Smithsonian National Zoo.

The National Zoo's IT staff has been working to get the panda cam back up and running on Thursday. The zoo's 15 cameras were turned off because it required federal resources to operate and was deemed nonessential during the shutdown. The zoo will open to the public on Friday, according to a statement on its website.

While government workers were away, the still unnamed 8-week-old cub, has been staying very busy.

Here is what she's been up to since the cameras went dark:

  • She now weighs five pounds, up from 3.07 pounds.
  • Her right eye started to open on Oct. 4 and by Oct. 11, both eyes had partially opened.
  • Her ears are fully opened and she now reacts to noises she hears.
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