Animal lovers can get close to and personally reach capybara during special events at Osceola County Animal Rescue.
St. Cloud’s nonprofit animal rescue, Amazing Animals, is kicking off on Saturday and shining the spotlight on some of the most popular mammal residents by hosting Capybaras at Sunset, an event that continues twice a month until the end of October.
Brian Braitsch, president and CEO of Amazing Animals, said Capybaras began taking over social media during the pandemic by garnering millions of opinions on memes, videos and posts.
“People love seeing capybara,” he said. “I think it’s their laidback, really cool personality. I think it all started with Tiktok. There were some very famous songs and videos you know that came out when everyone was in Tiktok during COVID.”
An internet search shows images of monkeys, turtles and birds riding these relaxed animals. It’s not difficult to see why they’re so adorable.
During the event, visitors will earn around 15-20 minutes just to play with “Capys” in addition to getting a quick tour of the reserve and a session with Barnyard Animals. Guests will also receive a Sundowner drink of alcoholic or non-alcoholic varieties.
“They’re friendly big, chubby animals,” Brightsch said. “It’s a great opportunity to be kind and personal to make Capybara a pet and take photos. You can create memorable Instagram-ready moments with your family.”
Recently accredited by the American Zoological Society, St. Cloud Animal Preserve is also home to reptiles, bobcats, bird birds, shaman fox squirrels, and skunks considered unreleasable. Animals come from the pet industry, wildlife reherbs and zoos through managed breeding programs.
“Animals like sloths and capybara help people raise money so that they can come to our parks and save the barn animals and the Hawks and the owls we take in,” Brightsch said. “People don’t come to our park just to see a bunch of goats and pigs.”
What’s more, amazing animals send money to programs overseas that help protect wildlife.
“The people who visit us actually help us support animals in our home country, and that’s really what it’s all about,” Brightsch said.
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If you’re going
Capybaras at sunset will take place on August 23rd and 30th, September 20th and 27th, and October 18th and 25th at Rambler Avenue in St. Cloud. Tickets cost $52 per person for about 90 minutes of experience. The reserve also offers tours for small groups. More information: Amazinganimalsinc.org
