Jemma Aldridge, a mother-of-two from Toftwood, is currently a full-time carer for her disabled and autistic children.
The South American animals have provided the youngsters with endless comfort due to their therapeutic nature.
Jemma Aldridge is opening The Capybara Café by the end of the year (Image: Jemma Aldridge)
Due to the children requiring extra support, long journeys are not an option, meaning they cannot visit the limited places that house the mammals.
Following the announcement of the new space, which will open in the Dereham area, Jemma has received “so much love and support from people across Norfolk and beyond”.
“It’s been incredibly heartwarming to see the community really get behind us with these gentle, quirky animals at the heart of it,” she said.
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Jemma Aldridge, who is opening the UK’s first capybara café in the Dereham area (Image: Jemma Aldridge) The Capybara Café has caused quite a stir with major platforms such as Radio 2, The One Show, Heart Radio and Netflix contacting Jemma to find out more about it.
“It’s not just exciting for us but it also shines a lovely light on what Norfolk has to offer,” she said.
“We feel honoured, humbled and more motivated than ever to keep building something really special.”
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The space will see two baby capybaras to begin with (Image: Colin Finch)
The exact location of the café remains under wraps while “everything goes through the proper channels with DEFRA and the council,” but Sweet Pea and Clover’s new home is set to be on a working farm near Dereham.
“Things are moving quickly behind the scenes,” Jemma added. “We’re deep into planning enclosures, finalising welfare protocols, working with local vets, and setting up staff training; all while making sure everything aligns with UK licensing requirements.”
By the end of the year, customers can expect a “beautiful countryside space where the main focus is animal interaction”.
Refreshments will be available, but are not the focus of the venue.