Helen, Georgia
About Capyfriends Cafe
Welcome to Capyfriends Cafe! We are a truly one-of-a-kind destination tucked into the charming mountain town of Helen, Georgia. We’re a cozy café, an animal encounter, and a nature-lover’s dream all rolled into one magical experience.
Capyfriends Cafe is the result of a unique collaboration between Nacoochee Adventures and North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park. Together, we’ve created a space where guests of all ages can meet, connect with, and learn about the gentle, sociable, and ever-curious capybaras, along with other unique animals.
As a part of NOGAWILD (North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park), Capyfriends Cafe follows the same mission, values, and standards of care that guide the rest of our organization. All of our capybaras, along with the other animals you may meet here, live at NOGAWILD full-time, where they receive expert husbandry, attentive daily care, and a safe, enriching environment designed around their wellbeing. Capyfriends Cafe simply brings a small part of that world into the heart of Helen, offering guests the chance to enjoy meaningful, up-close encounters while knowing every animal is supported by the broader NOGAWILD team and its commitment to ethical, compassionate care.
All proceeds go toward the animals' care at NOGAWILD and Creation Encounters. Creation Encounters is a non-profit that provides free or low cost faith-based programs, therapy, and camps for those in need.
Mission
At Capyfriends Cafe, together with NOGAWILD, our mission is to bring people and animals together for the glory of God so that no life goes untouched.
We believe that when people encounter animals, something extraordinary happens. For many it’s more than a fun outing, it’s a magical, life-changing moment. We exist to create those moments, every day.
Vision
“The Three C’s”: Care, Connect, Conserve
Care
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We provide exceptional care for our animals ensuring their well-being, comfort, and safety at all times.
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We treat our guests with kindness, respect, and hospitality, making Capyfriends Cafe a welcoming place for everyone.
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We honor and support our staff, volunteers, and interns, recognizing that compassionate, ethical care begins with the people.
Connect
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We create meaningful opportunities for people to connect with animals up close, gently, and respectfully.
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We strive to build genuine relationships: between guests and animals; between staff and guests; and within our community.
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Through these connections, we hope to foster empathy, wonder, and a deeper appreciation of all life.
Conserve
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We support and participate in conservation efforts, including propagation and care for select endangered or at-risk species.
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We educate our visitors about conservation issues that inspire awareness and respect for wildlife and nature.
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We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, practicing sustainability whenever possible (reduce, reuse, recycle), and supporting conservation organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife worldwide.
