PETA is asking Fort Lauderdale officials to investigate and shut down Capybara Café, the new animal encounter business in the Thrive District. The group says the café lacks required city approvals and raises concerns about where the animals stay after customers leave.
New Times covered the café’s opening on September 22, including its supervised animal encounters and its role in funding Noah’s Ark Sanctuary. A day later, PETA called for officials to close the operation and move the animals to reputable facilities.
The attorney argues that neither the café’s commercial zoning nor the residential property’s zoning allows the operation.
City cites residential property
According to Axios’ September 28 report, city staff found no café zoning or land-use violation warranting action. Officials did cite the residential property for housing wild animals and opened a case over an unpermitted enclosure and pond. The owner has until October 8 to address animal housing and October 14 to address the construction violation.
The café did not respond to requests for comment.
PETA identifies the residential property as where the café’s animals stay overnight. In a September 22 letter to Senior Assistant City Attorney Rhonda Montoya Hasan, the group’s attorney argues that neither the café’s commercial zoning nor the residential property’s zoning allows the operation as described.
The letter also says the café’s business tax receipt application remained under review as of September 22.
Capybara Cafe opens in Fort Lauderdale by Noah’s Ark Sanctuary, where visitors can pet, feed, and interact with capybaras and other animals.
Sign up now for free updates on openings, closings and all the food news that matters
THANK YOU!
You’re all set.
CLOSE
PETA raises animal health concerns
PETA’s complaint extends to the animals’ health. The group says a September 17 visitor documented capybaras with signs consistent with respiratory illness and a fennec fox with signs consistent with intestinal parasites.
According to the letter, veterinarian Dr. Mason Payne reviewed visual evidence and recommended a veterinary evaluation for the fox. These concerns come from that review, but the letter does not establish confirmed diagnoses.
“PETA is calling on Fort Lauderdale officials to enforce the law,” PETA Foundation Managing Director of Captive Wildlife Debbie Metzler said in the group’s announcement.
On its official FAQ, the café says Noah’s Ark Sanctuary operates the business, trained staff supervise encounters, and limits on session size and duration protect animal welfare. It also says proceeds support the sanctuary’s animal care. The café’s website still advertises bookings.
Capybara Café. 744 NW Fifth Ave., Unit 1111, Fort Lauderdale; capycafeftl.com.