Thanks to TikTok and Insta, many people know of all the various animal cafes in Japan. So when we saw that the Noah’s Ark Sanctuary was opening The Capybara Café in St. Augustine I knew we had to go.
Be Sure to Make a Reservation
As I tried to find availability at The Capybara Café for 3 people on a time my girls didn’t have school, I decided to just book it for the last day of school. On their website, I had my choice between the “Capybara Encounter”, “Capybara and Friends Encounter” or “Wild Wonders Encounter”. Since it was our first time, I decided the Capybara themselves would be enough and booked our 30 minute time slot with Mocha, Latte and Macchiato, their most seasoned café ambassadors.
When we arrived, we saw other animals in the waiting area to check out including guinea pigs, a rabbit, bearded dragon, chameleon and mice. All adorable to watch and made waiting for our group’s time entertaining.
Feed and Pet Capybaras
Each encounter is up to 10 people, so as our awesome café employee took us back to the room, he reminded us of the few rules (to keep us and the capybaras safe). We had to sanitize our hands then we could sit wherever we wanted. The two male capybaras were lounging on the couch, with the smaller female napping on a cushioned ottoman. We were free to pet and take pictures with these sleepy, adorable creatures as we were told more about them. Then, we learned that capybaras are never not hungry apparently and eat 10 pounds of food a day. As he handed each of us a little bit of kale, our sleepy furry friends work right up ready to eat. The had no issue walking over to anyone and eating out of our hands. Standing on their hind legs if needed, and checking to see who had food. Then we found out that Mocha (their largest male) had a favorite spot on the couch and my daughter was sitting there so he made adorable noises, but basically telling her to move so he could lay back down.
In the room next to us were a few smaller and younger capybaras that they were allowing to get used to humans (in smaller groups). There was also other animal encounters, and they were holding a ferret, skunk and armadillo. Of course this means as an animal lover, I now have to go back and do that. Definitely a fun experience and one I can highly recommend!
Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University. She married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.
