Animal enthusiasts now have a unique spot to connect with the current “it” animals—capybaras, the large, friendly rodents taking the spotlight. Located in the back of a real estate office in St. Augustine, Florida, The Capybara Cafe offers visitors a chance to interact with these semi-aquatic creatures, who enjoy lap time, corn on the cob, and plenty of human affection.
Stephanie Angel, the owner of the cafe, opened the venue in October with a mission to offer a truly hands-on experience. “You give them lots of scratches and love,” Angel explained. “They get so comfortable that sometimes they just fall over, which is the ultimate goal—to get them so relaxed they completely let go.”
Since its opening near Flagler College, the Capybara Cafe has attracted hundreds of visitors eager to meet the capybaras. Reservations for a visit are highly sought after, often booked months in advance. One recent visitor, Leah Macri from Orlando, came with her daughter and shared her impression of the capybaras’ fur. “It feels kind of like straw,” she said.
Upon arrival, guests enter a cozy reception area, which also features a pen of baby chicks. From there, they’re escorted into a smaller room where they can relax on blankets while capybaras are brought in for cuddles. Other animals, like a skunk, wallaby, and armadillo, also make appearances. For a $49 half-hour session, or $99 for an hour-long encounter with the extra animals, visitors can enjoy the company of these unusual creatures.
Macri, who initially came to see the capybaras, found herself bonding with the armadillo instead. “He was the cuddliest and softest. He was just very sweet,” she said.
The capybara, a large rodent from South America related to the guinea pig, has become the latest sensation in a long line of trendy animals. Following the rise of axolotls, hedgehogs, sloths, and others, capybaras gained significant attention in the U.S., with everything from slippers to bath bombs bearing their likeness during the holiday season.
Capybaras can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh more than 100 pounds. While many zoos across the country offer encounters with the animals, Angel believes no other place offers the level of intimacy and one-on-one interaction found at the Capybara Cafe.
The cafe doesn’t serve coffee or hot food like its name might suggest, but it does offer a range of capybara-themed merchandise, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, and stuffed animals. Angel also explained that the cafe helps fund the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal refuge based in Hastings, Florida.
Chris Cooper, who drove 157 miles with his wife to visit, was surprised by the capybaras’ rough fur. “I wasn’t expecting them to be so affectionate,” he said. “They really enjoyed the rubs.”
Looking to expand, Angel plans to open another location in St. Petersburg, Florida, in the near future.