Smithsonian museums, zoo to remain closed

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Smithsonian Institution's museums in Washington and the National Zoo will remain closed Monday as the nation's capital digs out from an epic snowstorm.

They closed at noon Friday and remained closed Saturday and Sunday as the storm dumped nearly 2 feet of snow. One measurement near the zoo recorded 22.4 inches.

Zoo staffers are busy behind closed doors. Associate Director for Animal Care Services Brandie Smith says about 30 workers stayed over to take care of the creatures.

Some animals had to be kept in their housing because if they went out, they might climb on drifts and escape. Others went out to play in the snow, notably male giant panda Tian Tian. The zoo tweeted a video of him frolicking in the snow that went viral.