LEWISBURG ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Sit with Carla: A Close-Up Capybara Encounter at Wild Hearts African Farm
A roughly 25-minute, small-group session in Lewisburg where guests aged 6 and up can hold, pet and feed a young capybara while learning about its care.
Sit with Carla: A Close-Up Capybara Encounter at Wild Hearts African Farm.
Adventure brief
Sit with Carla: A Close-Up Capybara Encounter at Wild Hearts African Farm
At Wild Hearts African Farm in Lewisburg you can step into a calm, intimate encounter with a young capybara—an experience built around animal comfort and hands-on learning. Sessions are limited in size, run year-round, and let visitors hold, pet and feed the resident capybara while staff explain their care and behavior.
Located in Lewisburg, Ohio, Wild Hearts offers a rare chance to connect face-to-face with Carla the Capybara, one of the most gentle and captivating rodents in the animal kingdom. This experience goes beyond a typical zoo visit by providing an interactive session where visitors aged six and up can hold, pet, and feed Carla, gaining insight into the care and behavior of these remarkable creatures. Capybaras are native to South America and are the largest rodents in the world, known for their calm demeanor and social nature. At Wild Hearts, learning about Carla is part of a broader effort to spark curiosity about wildlife and responsible animal stewardship in this quaint Ohio town nestled in a region celebrated for its outdoor recreational opportunities.
What makes this encounter truly special is the intimate setting where you can observe Carla’s unique features — from her dense, water-repellent fur to her half-webbed feet that reveal her affinity for water. The environment gives visitors a close lens into the daily routine and personality of a capybara, highlighting their role in ecosystems and their surprising links to local conservation efforts. Wild Hearts calls attention to humane, education-focused wildlife engagement as an alternative to traditional animal exhibits, setting a community-centered example for interaction with exotic species.
Lewisburg itself is a welcoming gateway, offering easy access for families and wildlife enthusiasts traveling through southwestern Ohio. The area combines peaceful countryside charm with open-air activities, making it an excellent base for visitors keen on mixing outdoor adventures with hands-on animal experiences. Wild Hearts’ Capybara Encounters elevate the local outdoor scene, inviting visitors to step out of conventional settings to engage in a meaningful moment with nature’s quieter inhabitants.
In addition to being a standout destination for capybara admirers, the experience promotes awareness around environmental conservation and animal welfare, empowering guests to appreciate wildlife through informed interaction. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking to snap unique photos of a placid, lovable creature, Carla’s encounter is an accessible, memorable way to deepen your connection to the natural world in Ohio.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
A simple, stepwise flow from arrival to hands-on time with the capybara.
Arrival & check-in at Wild Hearts African Farm
Guests arrive, confirm their encounter reservation and, if applicable, pay for up to two observers who will watch from the designated area.
Briefing and handling guidance
Staff explain safety, animal comfort and how to hold and feed the capybara before the group enters the encounter area.
Up-close encounter (approx. 25 minutes)
Participants sit on the floor with the capybara to hold, pet and feed the animal with staff supervision; the session lasts roughly 25 minutes.
Photos, wrap-up and optional farm visit
Staff can take photos of your group; general admission to the rest of the farm is not included with the encounter but may be added on arrival if available.
Participants must be able to sit on the floor and wear closed-toed shoes; sessions are brief (about 25 minutes) and the operator may adjust procedures to prioritize animal welfare.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet Carla, the young capybara
This encounter centers on a single young capybara resident—guests may hold, pet and feed the animal under staff supervision, with the animal’s comfort the priority throughout.
Small, structured sessions
Sessions are intentionally limited—typically small groups that allow close attention from staff and a calm setting for the capybara; special group slots are reserved on select days.
Photos and memories you’ll keep
Staff are happy to take photos of the interaction so visitors can leave with a lasting record of the encounter while learning about the animal’s care.
What the day feels like
What the encounter feels like
You arrive at Wild Hearts, check in and are led to a low, quiet space where the capybara is comfortable. After a brief introduction and handling guidance from staff, the group spends roughly 25 minutes sitting on the floor with the animal—holding, petting and feeding under supervision—before a short wrap-up and photos.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this encounter suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to sit on the floor for the duration of the encounter; the farm also encourages guests to bring stockpiled plastic grocery bags to be recycled into a bench.
The farm maintains a capybara wish list of acceptable food and supplies visitors can donate; check the farm’s list before you go if you intend to bring items.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the capybara encounter?
The encounter will last approximately 25 minutes.
What ages are allowed to participate?
Encounters are for ages 6 and up; parents must be present with their child for the entire time and must purchase the encounter.
How many people can participate in a single session?
Sessions accommodate a maximum of 2–4 people at a time; Sunday sessions and select days are reserved for groups of 4 participants.
Can friends or family come to watch?
Up to two observers may watch; observers pay $10 each and can pay at the door upon arrival.
Is general admission to the farm included with the encounter?
General admission to Wild Hearts African Farm is not included with the encounter; you may add it on if it is available upon arrival—confirm availability before you visit.
Are encounters refundable if plans change?
Encounter sales are final and non-refundable.
When do encounters run?
Encounters run year-round; summer hours (starting May 28) list Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am–4pm with last admission at 3pm.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:11:58.820Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.