Discover the Capybara Café

by Jenn Heller

Rediscovering My Inner Child (and a Love for Wildlife!)

Growing up on Long Island, my exposure to wildlife was...limited, to say the least. Aside from the occasional backyard squirrel or a rogue snake slithering onto the patio—let’s just say my daddy handled that situation in a way snake enthusiasts wouldn’t approve of—our “wildlife” was mostly our family dogs. No cats, no hamsters, no guinea pigs. Just loyal, four-legged friends.

Fast forward to raising my own kids, and history repeated itself. Except for a brief two-hour stint with a turtle (which quickly found its way back to the pond), we kept it simple: two dogs.

Now, at the youthful yet ornery age of 56, I seem to be channeling my inner Benjamin Button and revisiting the childhood experiences I skipped. It started innocently enough while waiting for my dog at the vet inside PetSmart. I locked eyes with a winter white Russian dwarf hamster, and it was game over. Alexa (yes, that’s her name) came home with me, soon followed by Syri and Echo—two more hamsters. I know what you’re thinking: “56 and three hamsters?” But hear me out—they’re adorable, sweet, and bring me so much joy.

So, when I heard about a new place in St. Augustine where you can meet and feed capybaras, you better believe I was in the car and heading down A1A faster than you can say “world’s largest rodent.”

Capybara Café: Where Conservation Meets Cuteness

Nestled in St. Augustine, the Capybara Café is a unique spot owned and operated by Noah’s Ark Sanctuary in Hastings, Florida. The sanctuary is home to over 100 animals, including native wildlife like foxes, raccoons, skunks, and opossums. They also provide a safe haven for exotic pet surrenders, offering care and comfort to animals that might otherwise have nowhere to go.

The idea for Capybara Café was born out of a desire to connect people with conservation efforts in a fun and engaging way. The café isn’t just a place to meet adorable capybaras—it’s an educational hub designed to foster empathy for wildlife. Their mission is simple yet impactful: to inspire and educate visitors while promoting stewardship of both native and exotic species.

Through carefully managed animal encounters, the Capybara Café ensures the welfare of their animals while offering guests meaningful experiences. Whether you’re learning about conservation or simply marveling at these gentle creatures, the café makes it easy to fall in love with wildlife.

Meet Mocha and Latte: The Stars of the Show

My visit to the Capybara Café began with a warm welcome from Stephanie, one of the owners, who introduced me to the café’s most famous residents—Mocha and Latte. These two capybaras were much larger than I expected (I may have been spoiled by my pint-sized hamsters), but they were just as lovable.

When I first met them, Mocha and Latte were lounging on the couch, mid-nap. But just like my dog perks up at the sound of a crinkling candy wrapper, these two immediately snapped to attention when they heard the telltale sound of lettuce being torn.

Before long, they were on the floor, happily munching their greens and following Stephanie’s commands. I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched their distinct personalities shine through. Mocha, the laid-back and curious one, explored his surroundings at his own leisurely pace. Latte, on the other hand, was the social butterfly—playful, adventurous, and always ready to engage.

Why You Should Visit The Capybara Cafe

The Capybara Café is more than just a chance to meet these charming animals—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a unique outing, or someone (like me) rediscovering a love for animals, this place offers an unforgettable experience.

So, if you’re ready to be friends with Mocha, Latte, and the mission behind the Capybara Café, make the trip 105 S. Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite C, St. Augustine, FL. Who knows? You might just leave with a newfound appreciation for the wild—and maybe even a craving for lettuce.

Jenn Heller is the Operations Manager for The Volen Group, a top real estate team in Ponte Vedra Beach. Jenn has over 20 years of real estate experience in Ponte Vedra Beach and is a resident of Atlantic Beach.

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