ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (CBS12) — There’s a unique destination in Florida where visitors can sip coffee, cuddle capybaras, and contribute to wildlife conservation — all in one visit.

Welcome to the Capybara Café, an interactive animal experience operated by Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, a nonprofit based in St. Augustine, Florida. Just 23 minutes from the sanctuary, the café offers guests a chance to meet exotic animals like lemurs, skunks, and of course, capybaras—the world’s largest rodents known for their gentle nature and love of water.

“We want to make sure these animals are enjoying the betterment of the sanctuary,” said Trey King, General Manager of Capybara Café. “Capybaras are semi-aquatic creatures, so we ensure they get plenty of pool time back at the sanctuary.”

Animal visits to the café are entirely voluntary. Carriers are placed at the sanctuary, and whichever animals choose to enter are transported to the café for the day. This ensures the animals are comfortable and stress-free during their interactions with guests, according to WTLV. The café features animals from USDA-approved vendors, as well as rescues and rehabilitated wildlife. Some are permanent residents, while others may eventually be released back into the wild.

Noah’s Ark Sanctuary is currently expanding to a larger, more accessible location to further its mission.

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“Education about conservation is incredibly important,” King emphasized. “It teaches us to protect what we love for future generations and helps us care for animals both in our facilities and in the wild.”

Visitors can support these efforts by donating online or visiting the Capybara Café. For an additional donation, guests can book 30-minute “encounters” with animals like a lemur, a double-banded skunk, or even a screaming hairy armadillo.

Whether you’re an animal lover or a conservation enthusiast, the Capybara Café offers a heartwarming and educational experience that’s as impactful as it is adorable.

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