Elephants are intelligent, and emotional animals. They require companionship, sensitive handling, and plenty of space. Not all zoos can, or do, provide all three of these. Where strong fences and crushes are used, a 'zero handling' policy can be employed. But some collections, favour building up a closer association between elephant and keeper with daily training and handling.
Tame elephants can mean closer contact for the public.
London's baby elephants are escorted around the zoo every day to meet the visitors. But there is another advantage for a zoo that trains its elephants. Zoos unable to keep a bull can more easily transport their females for mating. This is the plan for London's cow elephants. In Europe elephants are regularly sent to be mated at other zoos.