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Exotic Animal Cafes Surge, Raising Wildlife Concerns

11/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Capybara cafes in Bangkok illustrate a broader rise of exotic-animal cafes across Asia, with China's pet cafes growing from under 100 in 2020 to over 1,800 in 2025.
Experts warn the boom could raise demand for exotic pets and fuel illegal wildlife trade.
Although capybaras are not endangered, their movement from South America to Asia raises concerns about trafficking and invasive species.

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Story summary

Capybara cafes in Bangkok illustrate a broader rise of exotic-animal cafes across Asia, with China's pet cafes growing from under 100 in 2020 to over 1,800 in 2025.
Experts warn the boom could raise demand for exotic pets and fuel illegal wildlife trade.
Although capybaras are not endangered, their movement from South America to Asia raises concerns about trafficking and invasive species.