The artificial tree has feeding and enrichment methods built in. The vertical "root" allow visitors to get close (under staff supervision) to feel elephant's trunk and get a close-up look,
The is also an upper platform which I think is a V.I.P. place for panoramic views of the 11-acre site and for additional elephant enrichment/staff interaction activity
In the attached photo, the "holes" in the fake roots can be filled with treats so elephant trunks come into visitor space to search for them (again, visitors are held back by fence so elephants can't grab someone)