The exotic natural landscape has given refuge to all manner of birds and beasts in lakes, channels and forest lands. Tourists can take a tour to Gahirmatha, the largest nesting place in the world for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles who travel annually all the way from South America to lay their eggs.

The mangrove islands also give cover to salt water crocodiles and all manner of birds and water fowls. Community nesting of birds and the captive crocodile breeding pools of the white crocodiles can be interesting sidelights. At the entrance of Similipal National Park, the Jashipur crocodile breeding centre is a great hit with the day trippers.