Originally it served as an exit vestibule from a large walk-through aviary for tundra waterfowl (located on the left hand side of this shot). The aviary was removed several years ago. The viewing shelter was also much more covered with soil and plants than currently is the case. Once upon a time it worked as part of a then-brilliant exhibit complex (waterfowl, musk ox, caribou, fox, lemming, polar bear) that has now pretty much outlived it's usefulness. As noted in the Zoo's recently published strategic plan, they understand it is time for a major re-thinking of the whole area.
