Animal enthusiasts now have an exciting destination to interact with the latest popular creatures—capybaras. Nestled behind a real estate office in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida, The Capybara Cafe offers a unique experience where these large, furry rodents eagerly engage with visitors. Guests can enjoy the capybaras’ company as they munch on corn and seek affectionate scratches from humans.
The cafe, which opened its doors in October near the Flagler College campus, has quickly become a hotspot for animal lovers. Booking reservations several months in advance, patrons from various locations, including Leah Macri from Orlando, come to experience the charm of these sociable animals.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed into a cozy reception area featuring couches and an open pen of baby chicks. Groups of around six people are then guided into a smaller room where blankets are provided for their laps. Here, three capybaras and other animals such as a skunk, wallaby, and armadillo interact freely with the guests. The experience costs $49 per person for a half-hour session or $99 for an hour that includes interaction with additional animals.
The capybara, a semi-aquatic creature native to South America and related to the guinea pig, has become a beloved figure in the U.S., joining a lineup of trendy “it” animals such as axolotls, owls, and sloths. Known for their webbed feet, capybaras can grow over four feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. While several U.S. zoos and wildlife parks offer capybara encounters, The Capybara Cafe promises a uniquely intimate experience.
Stephanie Angel, the founder of The Capybara Cafe, plans to expand her venture with another location in St. Petersburg, Florida. Although the cafe does not serve traditional coffee or meals, it offers capybara-themed merchandise to visitors.
The cafe serves a greater purpose as well, supporting the nonprofit Noah’s Ark Sanctuary Inc., located in Hastings, Florida, which provides refuge for various animals.
Visitors, such as Chris Cooper from Weeki Wachee, express delight at the affectionate nature of the capybaras, despite the surprising texture of their rough, coarse hair. The hands-on experience has left many with fond memories of their time at the cafe.
The Human Angle
The Capybara Cafe in St. Augustine not only offers a delightful experience for animal lovers but also highlights the growing trend of interactive animal encounters. In a city renowned for its historical significance, this unique attraction presents an opportunity for locals and tourists alike to connect with nature in an intimate setting.
For local communities, such attractions can positively impact tourism, drawing visitors from across the state and potentially boosting the local economy. As interest in animal encounters continues to rise, facilities like The Capybara Cafe provide an educational and enjoyable experience that fosters a greater appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts.
Furthermore, the cafe’s support of the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that such ventures contribute positively to both animal welfare and the community. By offering educational insights and fostering connections between humans and animals, The Capybara Cafe helps bridge the gap between entertainment and environmental responsibility.