This used to be a very lushly planted swamp for alligators where you could walk out on that boardwalk. I really hope they do something to utilize this, because I hate to see such a great exhibit area sitting empty.
The alligator exhibit was closed down way back in 1999. At that time the two alligators were relocated to what is currently the spotted-necked otter exhibit with hopes that they would be more visible to guests. The adult male died shortly after making this move, and the female was then sent to another facility. The largest problem with this exhibit is that when most guests visited the zoo, during the winter, the gators were completely inactive and not visible to guests.