ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Ever dreamt of stroking a capybara or getting up close with a lemur? At this cafe, you can do just that, all while contributing to vital conservation initiatives.

This charming spot, known as the Capybara Café, operates as a 501(c)(3) organization focused on educational interactions and is nestled in the heart of St. Augustine.

“Noah’s Ark Sanctuary is the driving force behind the Capybara Café,” explained Trey King, who manages the café. “Located in Hastings, Florida, the sanctuary is just about a 23-minute drive from here.”

While the café itself isn’t home to the animals, they make the daily trip from the sanctuary to engage with visitors.

“We want to make sure that these animals are enjoying the betterment of the sanctuary,” said King. “Capybaras are semi-aquatic creatures, and they do require about 30% of their life in the water, so we make sure that they get a lot of pool time back at the sanctuary.”

The animals at the café rotate each day because visiting the café is completely voluntary. The café’s transport team will visit the sanctuary every morning, place carriers out, and whichever animals decide to walk into the carriers will be transported that day.

“We have a variety of animals that we do receive from USDA-approved vendors, but we also have a variety of animals who have been surrendered to us or injured, or need to be rehabilitated, and some that could be potentially released as well,” said King. “Not every animal that is under our care is used for education and encounters, as those are only our USDA-approved ambassadors.”

Noah’s Ark Sanctuary is currently breaking ground on a larger, more accessible location. Transport time will become a lot easier with the new location about 10 minutes away. The future facility will also be accessible for tours.

“Education about conservation is incredibly important,” said King. “It’s not only teaching us to protect what we love so that it can be around for future generations, but also it’s allowing us to continue to take care of the animals under our care and the ones out in the wild. “

To help with their conservation efforts, you can make a monetary donation or visit the Capybara Café. If you visit, you can choose the 30-minute capybara encounter, or add the exotic animal encounter for a chance to meet critters like th lemur, coatimundi, double-banded skunk, screaming hairy armadillo, or a three-banded armadillo. The café recommends booking your encounter ahead of time.

“I encourage each and every person who loves animals, the environment, ecosystems, anything about animals in the wild, animals under professional care, to please come see us, come learn why we do what we do, and come hang out with some of our animals,” said King. “We love to teach you about them, offer you the chance to pet them, take photos with them, and take those fun facts with you on your way out.”