Lake Elementaita is an important natural habitat for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including globally and regionally threatened species of outstanding universal value. It consistently holds internationally important populations of Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Pied Avocet as well as other water bird species that occur in smaller populations.
The terrestrial habitats support the conservation of herbivores such as the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe as well as Elands, Buffaloes, Common Zebras, Impalas, Reedbuck, bushbuck and Colobus monkeys. Carnivores are represented by Lions, Leopards, hyenas and jackals. The endemic Kenyan Horned Viper (Bitis worthingtonii) is also found here. Most of these wildlife are found in Soysambu conservancy side.
Lake Elementaita supports one of the major breeding colonies of the Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in the world and is the only place in Kenya where Pelicans breed. Up to 8,000 pairs of Great White Pelican have bred there when the water levels are high and the rocky outcrops in the eastern sector are flooded to form islets on which the birds can safely nest. The park has permanent hot water springs that act as the breeding area for tilapia, which are preyed on by the pelicans.
Hiking & Walking on several hills within the sanctuary and shoreline walks can also take place along the lake.