Our Story | Noah's Ark Sanctuary

Chapter One: A Home in Hastings

From a home rescue to a sanctuary

As lifelong animal lovers with a deep commitment to conservation, our journey began with a modest effort: providing rescue and rehabilitation from our own home. Every animal that arrived confirmed the same thing. The need was bigger than our walls.

With a dream of a place where animals could receive the care they truly need, we quickly outgrew that first space. So we purchased a property and officially established Noah's Ark Sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need.

That foundation remains the heart of everything we do today.

Chapter Two: Lifelong Care

Safety, dignity, and a permanent home

We provide lifelong care for rescued animals who cannot be returned to the wild or rehomed: safety, enrichment, and medical support for every animal in our care. Residents are not passing through. When the sanctuary becomes home, it is home for good.

Our focus is native wildlife, alongside exotic pet surrenders who need a safe environment and proper care.

FoxesSkunksSquirrelsOpossumsRaccoonsExotic surrenders

Chapter Three: The Cafés

Conservation you can meet in person

The idea for The Capybara Cafe came from a simple belief: real interactions with animals are key to building understanding and respect for wildlife. We wanted to bring conservation awareness to the community in a direct, engaging way.

Today our cafés serve as educational hubs where guests meet our animal ambassadors and learn about wildlife conservation firsthand. Every visit helps fund the rescue and care work at the sanctuary.

One Family, One Mission

Our brands

Noah's Ark Sanctuary operates several experiences across Florida, each one funding the same rescue and care work.

Capybara Cafe. Small-group animal encounters in St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, and Fort Lauderdale.

The Fluffy Cow Cafe. Highland cattle encounters in St. Augustine, part of the same sanctuary family.

Noah's Ark Sanctuary. The organization behind it all: rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.

Every visit, every encounter, every gift card, it all goes directly into the work of Noah's Ark Sanctuary.

Chapter Four: Where We're Headed

A sanctuary you can one day step into

Today, the cafes are how the public meets the mission. The dream is bigger: growing the sanctuary itself into a place people can experience more fully, with expanded habitats, deeper education programs, and new ways to spend real time in the world our animals call home.

We are building toward that future carefully, because the animals' wellbeing sets the pace. If you want to be part of the sanctuary as it grows, the best seats are already available: visit, sponsor, and follow the story.

Follow the journey

Ready to Be Part of the Mission?

Come see what the mission looks like in person

Through rescue, education, and care, we provide animals with safety, dignity, and a permanent home whenever needed. The best way to understand it is to meet our ambassadors at one of our cafés.

Plan a visit