Our Ethos
Our Animal Care Commitment
A sanctuary-first experience where animals lead the way—and guests follow with respect.
Animal Care Comes First
Every experience is built around the comfort, safety, and choice of our animals.
Capybaras and other animals in our care are not here for human amusement. They are intelligent, social beings deserving of dignity and protection.
What that looks like in practice:
Choice-Based Interactions – If an animal doesn’t want to be approached, that boundary is honored without exception.
Private Rest Areas – Every animal has full access to private retreat zones at all times to ensure their comfort and well-being.
No Handling Without Consent – Guests are not permitted to pick up, hold, or force interaction with any animal.
Daily Enrichment and Specialized Care – Our team designs species-specific enrichment programs tailored to physical and mental health.
Routine Veterinary Oversight – Exotic animal veterinarians conduct regular wellness checks and guide our long-term care plans.
We back up our commitment to animal welfare with professional accreditations, regulatory compliance, and collaborative partnerships.
Capybara Café and our affiliated sanctuaries are:
USDA Licensed
FWC Licensed (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
Members of the Zoological Association of America
Members of the Florida Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
Members of the National Veterinary Technician Association
Active participants in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Pet Amnesty Program, which ensures that surrendered exotic animals are rehomed through approved, responsible channels only
These credentials reflect our dedication to meeting and exceeding the highest care standards in the field.
We do not operate as a petting zoo. We do not use animals for photo props. We do not require them to perform or interact on demand.
Instead:
Guests are invited into shared spaces where animals may choose to engage—or not
Interactions are carefully supervised and guided by trained staff
Our priority is always the animal’s comfort, safety, and autonomy
We believe that compassion begins with understanding. Our educational programming is designed to inform and inspire guests of all ages.
Through guided experiences, guests learn:
The behavioral signals and communication styles of capybaras and other species
The importance of sanctuary settings for animals who cannot be released or rehomed
The realities and responsibilities of exotic animal surrender, care, and advocacy
We aim to replace curiosity with consciousness and create advocates—not consumers.
Many of the animals in our care were surrendered through Florida’s Pet Amnesty Program, rescued from unsafe or illegal ownership situations, or referred to us due to a lack of appropriate placement options. Our sanctuary offers them a second chance at peace and quality of life.
For guests, the Capybara Café experience offers something just as meaningful: the opportunity to connect with animals respectfully, reflect quietly, and be part of a model that prioritizes care over commerce.
Capybara Café is committed to transforming how people engage with wildlife—through trust, transparency, and a shared respect for life.
What Guides Us
At Capybara Café, we understand that any setting involving animals can raise valid questions.
1. Ask Before You Assume
We invite curiosity, not conclusions. If something doesn’t sit right, we’re here to talk. Misinformation spreads fast—facts deserve the same chance.
2. Speak with Care
Words matter. Whether in person or online, we encourage respectful dialogue. Critique is welcome—but should be grounded in truth, not emotion or personal bias.
3. Check the Source
Before forming an opinion, ask: Who’s sharing this? What do they know? Have they been here? We believe in transparency—and we encourage others to seek firsthand understanding.
4. Lead with Respect
Every interaction—between guests, staff, and animals—should be rooted in respect. We don’t get everything right, but we show up every day ready to do our best, learn, and grow.
Our ask is simple:
If you’re unsure about something you’ve heard or read, reach out. Visit. Ask us questions. We want you to make decisions based on knowledge, not noise.
