A new resort in St. Petersburg will cater to massive South American rodents rather than humans, who are also invited.<\/p>\n
Brianna Holzerland, founder of CapyCove, calls the long-planned facility a tropical oasis for capybaras. The world\u2019s largest rodent species is known for its docile demeanor and gentle disposition.<\/p>\n
Holzerland already offers interactions with baby capybaras at a Kahwa Coffee shop in Tampa. She anticipates opening the outdoor experience in St. Petersburg by May 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could have easily opened today and done what everyone else is doing,\u201d Holzerland said. \u201cBut we wanted to make it something special.\u201d<\/p>\n
CapyCove\u2019s focal point is an \u201cItalian-designed\u201d lagoon for the animals, which can grow to over four feet long and weigh between 60 and 174 pounds. Holzerland compared the facility at 2918 24th St. N. to a backyard resort.<\/p>\n
Visitors can have their picture taken while interacting with and feeding the capybaras. They can also sit back and watch the semiaquatic herbivores swim, frolic in the grotto\u2019s waterfall or jump off its rock features.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to offer different activities, like capybara yoga and painting with a twist,\u201d Holzerland said. \u201cI\u2019m from St. Pete, so the goal is to keep this local.\u201d<\/p>\n
The building will feature a large mural, and visitors can buy local artwork that will adorn the walls. Holzerland also plans to incorporate small businesses and nonprofits into CapyCove.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want to make this feel like another chain,\u201d she added. \u201cWe want this to feel like someone\u2019s bungalow, and you get to see the animals living in their natural habitat \u2013 outdoors versus inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holzerland also breeds and trains Belgian malinois K-9s for law enforcement. Local TV outlets have highlighted her company, Holzerland Protection Dogs, for donating puppies to veterans with PTSD.<\/p>\n
She holds a Class III wildlife permit, and has raised exotic cats, including servals and bobcats. Hozerland said capybaras are \u201clike emotional support animals\u201d and \u201csuper easy compared to the big cats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two of her capybaras came from a zoo in North Carolina, and one she acquired from a broker. \u201cThey are very hard to find right now because they\u2019re in high demand,\u201d Holzerland said.<\/p>\n
While CapyCove will cater to the animals, she said the facility will also offer humans a place to decompress. \u201cWe\u2019re going to try and make it affordable, as well,\u201d Holzerland added.<\/p>\n
For now, capybara enthusiasts can find Holzerland and her rodents at 4530 Gandy Blvd. in Tampa from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Interactions are $40, which includes food for the animals, photos and a beverage from Kahwa Coffee. Proceeds will help fund CapyCove.<\/p>\n
Holzerland will not cage the capybaras. She received state approval to install 10-foot fencing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not going to feel like you went to a zoo,\u201d Holzerland said. \u201cYou\u2019re going to feel like you walked into a beautiful backyard, and you just happen to see capybaras grazing around, having a blast.\u201d<\/p>\n
CapyCove will offer catering and host special events. Holzerland also plans to partner with a nonprofit that serves at-risk youth.<\/p>\n
She is pursuing her doctorate in criminal justice and believes bottle-feeding a \u201chelpless being\u201d could have a profound impact on a wayward teen\u2019s life. Hozerland said the experience will also show them that there are \u201ckind people out there\u201d who care.<\/p>\n