Capybara Cafe Opens Its Doors in St. Augustine, Attracting Animal Lovers

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) — A new animal attraction is gaining popularity in America’s oldest city. The Capybara Cafe officially opened its doors on March 14, 2025, allowing visitors to interact with capybaras and other exotic animals in a relaxed setting.

Located in the back of a real estate office building, the cafe features a variety of furry creatures, including the world’s largest rodent, the capybara. Guests can enjoy watching and interacting with the animals as they munch on snacks like corn on the cob and lounge on visitors’ laps.

Stephanie Angel, a staff member at the cafe, said, “People come here to unwind and connect with these gentle animals. It’s about creating a calming space for both our visitors and the animals.”

The Capybara Cafe also offers the chance to meet various other creatures, such as skunks and wallabies, making it a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages. Leah Macri, a local resident and cafe patron, remarked, “I love how interactive it is. Seeing a capybara up close is unlike anything else!”

This innovative cafe concept aims to promote animal welfare and education while providing a fun atmosphere for guests. According to Angel, the staff is trained to ensure that all animal interactions are safe and enjoyable for both visitors and creatures.

The cafe has already seen a positive response from the community and tourists alike. “We’ve had a wonderful turnout since opening,” Angel said. “People are looking for unique experiences, and we’re happy to provide that.”

For those considering a visit, the Capybara Cafe is open daily and offers scheduled times for guests to interact with the animals in supervised sessions. Reservations are recommended due to the limited space and high demand.