The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has canceled its annual Halloween event, “Boo at the Zoo,” due to the federal government shutdown.

The Halloween exhibit of trick-or-treating and other activities was scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Ticket holders for the event will get a refund the day after the date listed on their ticket. The Smithsonian Institution also offers the option to convert ticket orders to donations.

The National Zoo and other Smithsonian facilities rely in part on federal funding, and the shutdown led the animal facility to close its gates this past Sunday for the rest of the government closure.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.