{"id":401957,"date":"2026-09-16T23:18:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T23:18:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/401957\/"},"modified":"2026-09-16T23:18:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T23:18:13","slug":"new-capybara-cafe-opening-in-fort-lauderdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/401957\/","title":{"rendered":"New Capybara Caf\u00e9 opening in Fort Lauderdale"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you ready to meet Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy and Dopey?<\/p>\n

These \u201cSeven Dwarfs\u201d are furrier than most: They\u2019re capybaras. And they\u2019re the exotic stars of the new Capybara Caf\u00e9, an indoor petting zoo soft-opening Sept. 17 in Fort Lauderdale\u2019s Thrive District<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The idea, from owner Stephanie Angel, is for people to pet the roly-poly rodents while pampering them with fruits and vegetables. The 5,000-square-foot nonprofit sanctuary, which combines exotic animal rescue with public education, also houses an African-crested porcupine, a three-banded armadillo, two Virginia opossums, six ferrets and two rabbits.<\/p>\n

\u201cCapybaras are so chill and friendly, they\u2019re really just fun ambassadors to experience other exotic animals,\u201d Angels aid. \u201cAll they like are scratches and to be petted and food, and they love people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite its name, keep in mind: The caf\u00e9 offers no food or drink (not for humans, anyway), though hungry guests can have snacks delivered from neighboring Thrive District businesses, including Uncommon Path Brewing, Casa De Kava and Alma Matcha.<\/p>\n

Starting at $59, visitors can book 30-minute \u201cencounters\u201d to sit with the capybaras, with blankets provided to protect their laps from the giant rodents\u2019 sharp nails. For $99, they can upgrade to a 55-minute session that includes time with capybaras and another exotic animal, while private group experiences (for up to 10 people) run $216. A $49 date-night Sunset Safari experience excludes capybaras but features other exotics, she said.<\/p>\n

The semi-aquatic creatures, considered the world\u2019s biggest rodents, are native to South America \u2014 from Panama to Argentina. Lately, they\u2019ve been saluted in Internet memes<\/a> and songs<\/a> for their chill demeanor and social nature, especially when motivated with snacks such as kale, collard greens, hay and apples. Online clips show them<\/a> calmly sharing spaces with pelicans, monkeys and other animals without disturbing the peace.<\/p>\n

Inside the Capybara Caf\u00e9, the 6-month-old Seven Dwarfs free-roam a lounge filled with baskets of hay. Their names match their \u201cSnow White\u201d personalities. Grumpy, the undisputed leader of the herd, swats at anyone who messes with his hay bale, while Sleepy snoozes \u201cpractically all day long,\u201d Angel said with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\"One<\/p>\n

Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel<\/p>\n

A capybara roams the new Capybara Caf\u00e9 in Fort Lauderdale during an employee training session. (Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also an\u00a0\u201cEncounter Room,\u201d which is desert-themed for fennec foxes and three-banded armadillos. During sessions, a Capy Crew of 28 educators teach ticketbuyers how to handle and treat capybaras, sharing trivia along the way.<\/p>\n

For example: Capybara fur isn\u2019t soft but rather coarse, like a coconut, and their feet are webbed, making them excellent swimmers. Full-grown adult capybaras can weigh up to 175 pounds. Angel said she potty-trained them like cats to use the bathroom in special litter boxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople think they\u2019re soft, but their fur is scratchy,\u201d Angel said. \u201cIf they really like you, they\u2019ll fall over and let you scratch their chins and bellies. It\u2019s the funniest thing ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Several<\/p>\n

Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel<\/p>\n

Several capybaras scurry at owner Stephanie Angel’s feet during an employee training session. (Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel)<\/p>\n

The Plantation-raised Angel, formerly a firefighter in Palm Coast, said she started the first caf\u00e9 in St. Augustine in 2024 as a way to help her nearby nonprofit animal rehabilitation clinic, Noah\u2019s Ark Sanctuary, stay open. Customers began swarming her Capybara Caf\u00e9 so quickly, she said,\u00a0that she expanded with a second location in St. Petersburg in 2025. The Fort Lauderdale outpost is her third.<\/p>\n

For anyone wondering about the legalities, Capybara Caf\u00e9 is fully licensed to house its critters. Spokespeople for both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed this week that the business holds active state and federal wildlife exhibition permits.<\/p>\n

\"Capybara<\/p>\n

Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel<\/p>\n

Employee-in-training Ellie Eaddy feeds a capybara. (Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel)<\/p>\n

Angel said a portion of proceeds from Capybara Caf\u00e9 sales will benefit Broward County animal rehabilitation clinics such as Flamingo Gardens in Davie and the South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale.<\/p>\n

Ticket sales have gotten a boost, she added, thanks to the capybara\u2019s recent internet fame. Another reason: Capybara lovers think they\u2019re aspirational.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have the life that every human aspires to have,\u201d Angel said. \u201cNot a care in the world, nice food and lots of massages all day long. Wouldn\u2019t that be the best day ever?\u201d<\/p>\n

Capybara Caf\u00e9, at 744 NW Fifth Ave., Suite 1111, in Fort Lauderdale\u2019s Thrive District, is scheduled to open to the public from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 17 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 18. Go to CapyCafeFTL.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Fennec<\/p>\n

Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel<\/p>\n

Exotic fennec foxes are also available for petting and feeding at the new Capybara Caf\u00e9 in Fort Lauderdale. (Carline Jean\/South Florida Sun Sentinel)<\/p>\n

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