Wild Experiences. Thoughtful Encounters. Unforgettable Moments.

Capybara Café is more than a destination — it’s a mission-driven experience rooted in compassion, community, and conservation.
Every visit helps support the lifelong care of rescued animals through ethical, education-based encounters. We’re proud to create a welcoming space where people of all ages can connect with nature, learn about wildlife, and be part of a growing community dedicated to animal welfare and meaningful impact.

Who we are

Experience Wildlife, Support Conservation

Step into The Capybara Café in St. Pete, Florida, and enjoy unique wildlife encounters that directly support Noah's Ark Sanctuary. Our café not only provides a joyful and educational experience with our diverse animal friends but also contributes to broader conservation efforts. Each visit helps us further our mission to care for and protect animals.

Our Mission

Our mission at Capybara Café is to inspire, educate, and foster a greater sense of stewardship for all living creatures.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every individual feels a deep connection to nature and takes an active role in wildlife conservation.

Choose Your Adventure

Five Animal Encounters. Zero Boring Moments.

Before You Book

Reserve Early: Spots often sell out, especially on weekends.
Waiver: Complete online before arrival for your full experience time.
Dress Right: Closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Blankets available upon request.
Arrive Early: Please check in 10–15 minutes before your time slot.
Feeding: One piece of kale included; extras available to support local conservation. Use provided sanitized tongs to feed capybaras.
Animal Etiquette: Let animals approach you, no flash photography, follow staff guidance.

Stroller Policy: To help protect guest safety and support animal behavior inside the encounter space, standard strollers are not permitted inside the animal interaction room and should be left in the designated stroller area outside the room.

Guests using a device for mobility or disability related needs should notify a team member before the experience so we can discuss reasonable accommodations.

Capybara Lounge

Peaceful Connections with One of the World's Most Gentle Animals Enjoy a 25-minute, guided encounter with our well-cared-for capybaras in a calm, comfortable setting designed with their needs in mind. This experience is centered around respect, observation, and positive engagement.

Guests are provided with approved food to offer the capybaras under the supervision of trained staff. All interactions are based on the animals' comfort and willingness to participate. They are never forced or restrained, and always have the freedom to rest or step away.

Our priority is to create a clean, peaceful environment that supports the wellbeing of both guests and animals.

Capacity: Up to 20 guests per session.

Lemur Lounge

This guided animal encounter is designed for guests who want to laugh, learn, and get seriously close to some of the most entertaining animals around — lemurs and friends!

Our expert animal team will lead you through a hands-on experience where anything can happen — a lemur might parkour right off your head, sneak off with your sunglasses, or curl up sweetly in your lap like a furry little nap buddy.

Animal Appearances:
Every visit is unique. While you may meet lemurs and a variety of other animal ambassadors, specific animals are not guaranteed during any session. Our animals choose when they want to be active, social, or resting, and their comfort always comes first.

Rate: $45 per person Duration: 25-minute experience Capacity: Up to 10 guests per session

Please note: This experience does not include time in the Capybara Lounge. Lounge access is available only with select bookings.

Private Capybara Lounge

A Calm, Curated Encounter for Small Groups Step into tranquility with our exclusive 25-minute private capybara encounter. Ideal for birthdays, date nights, or small group outings, this experience offers personal time with a capybara in a peaceful, controlled environment designed around animal comfort. What to Expect: Private 30-minute session (minimum of 4 guests) One-on-one time with a capybara in a quiet setting Capybara treats provided for hand-feeding

Rate: $65 per person | 4-person minimum
Capacity: Up to 6 guests per private session

This is a curated, slow-living experience, not a petting zoo.

Please note: This experience does not include time in the Capybara Lounge. Lounge access is available only with select bookings.

Mini Safari

This up-close experience is hands-on, interactive, and perfect for animal lovers of all ages. Whether you're learning or simply watching these fascinating creatures do their thing, every moment is filled with wonder.
Learn about each animal’s unique behaviors, adaptations, and habitat Enjoy plenty of photo-worthy moments and personal animal time Guided by our friendly and knowledgeable animal care staff.
Meet and interact with select animal ambassadors which may include a wallaby, coatimundi, armadillo, skunk, or other special animals.
Learn about each animal’s unique behaviors, adaptations, and habitat Enjoy plenty of photo-worthy moments and personal animal time Guided by our friendly and knowledgeable animal care staff
Rate: $45 per person Duration: 25-minute experience Capacity: Up to 10 guests per session
Please note: This experience does not include time in the Capybara Lounge. Lounge access is available only with select bookings.

AS SEEN ON

Testimonial

Reviews & Reflections

Not only are the animals adorable and great, the staff was great and friendly and very knowledgeable. The education about the animals was very interesting, and they take pride in the cause they support. We were in a room for the exotic safari with a very entitled family that was being difficult, and the staff handled it expertly. Just make sure you understand exactly what experience you are booking, because not everything includes the capybaras! I love what they are doing. Great for all ages!

My wife and I did the private room experience with Mocha in their Capycabana room. We were all smiles the entire time. We will absolutely come back for the other experiences and the lounge. Sloane was an excellent ambassador and helped to both provide education and a calming presence for the capybara. 10/10.

This was a fun experience! They've only been open a couple of days, but you wouldn't be able to tell. The staff was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I felt like I had plenty of time to feed, pet, and see the animals. It was a half hour well spent.