Capybara Experience at Wild Hearts African Farm in Ohio
Come along for a hands-on capybara experience at Wild Hearts African Farm in Lewisburg, Ohio, plus a groundhog encounter, private tour, visitor tips, and one important hair lesson.
A hands-on animal experience in Lewisburg, Ohio, complete with a private tour, an overly interested capybara, and one very important hair-related lesson
Some adventures are beautiful. Some are educational. And some involve discovering that, to a capybara, your hair apparently looks like lunch.
My day at Wild Hearts African Farm in Lewisburg, Ohio, managed to be all three.
I originally went for the capybara experience, but the day became so much more than one animal encounter. I got to interact with a capybara, meet a groundhog, see a variety of other animals, and spend quite a bit of time talking with Wild Hearts founder Amanda. She even took me on one of the tours herself.
As it turned out, I was the only person on that particular tour, which made an already memorable experience feel unexpectedly personal. Instead of moving through as part of a crowd, I had time to ask questions, listen, and learn more about the animals, the property, and the work happening behind the scenes.
Meeting the Capybara
Let us begin with the real reason I planned the trip: the capybara.
There is something delightfully odd about being close enough to one of these giant rodents to notice its personality. Seeing a capybara in a photograph or video is one thing. Sitting beside one and interacting with it is completely different.
The encounter was fun, relaxed, and much more hands-on than simply standing outside an enclosure trying to get a good picture. I was able to spend time with the capybara and enjoy the kind of up-close experience that makes you forget, at least briefly, that this is not an animal you meet during an ordinary Saturday in Ohio.
It also taught me a very practical lesson: do not wear anything loose, and do not wear your hair down.
Apparently, hair looks a lot like straw to a capybara.
Ask me how I know.
If you have long hair, put it securely up before the encounter. I would also skip loose ties, dangling accessories, flowing sleeves, or anything else that might look interesting to a curious animal. This is a working farm and an interactive experience, so choose comfort and practicality over an outfit that requires constant adjusting.
More Than a Capybara Experience
The capybara may have been the headliner, but it was not the only memorable animal of the day. I also got to interact with a groundhog and meet several of the other animals that call Wild Hearts home.
That variety is part of what made the visit feel like a full experience instead of a quick photo opportunity. Wild Hearts is home to more than 85 animals representing more than 35 species. Depending on the experience you book and the animals’ needs that day, a visit can include everything from small mammals and reptiles to birds, livestock, and exotic species.
Not every animal can be touched, of course. The staff explains which interactions are appropriate and how to approach the animals safely. I appreciated that the experience centered on learning about them rather than treating them like props.
A One-on-One Tour
One of the unexpected highlights was getting to talk with Amanda, the founder of Wild Hearts, and having her lead my tour. Because I was the only guest on it, I ended up with what felt like a private look at part of the property.
We walked through the original farm area, and I got to hear more of the story behind Wild Hearts while seeing a side of the grounds that added context to everything else I had experienced. There is something special about hearing the history of a place directly from the person who helped build it.
Amanda’s knowledge and passion were evident throughout our conversations. The tour was not rushed or scripted in a way that felt impersonal. It felt like spending time with someone who genuinely cares about the animals, conservation, and helping visitors understand why that work matters.
Wild Hearts is not simply a place to see unusual animals. Its mission is to support wildlife conservation locally and globally through educational experiences while providing a recreational resource for the community. The organization is also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was the first zoo in Ohio to earn the Humane Certified seal.
Knowing that made the visit feel even more meaningful. My admission and experience were not only paying for a fun afternoon. They were helping support animal care, education, and conservation work.
What to Know Before You Go
If a capybara encounter is the main reason for your visit, book it in advance. These experiences can fill quickly, so I would not count on waiting until the last minute.
Here are a few practical lessons from my visit:
- Wear comfortable clothes that can handle a little dirt, animal hair, or enthusiastic curiosity.
- Avoid loose clothing, dangling accessories, and anything an animal might grab.
- Put long hair securely up. Again, hair equals straw to a capybara.
- Wear shoes suitable for gravel, grass, mulch, and other uneven farm surfaces.
- Follow the staff’s instructions about which animals may be touched or fed.
- Bring your questions. The educational side of the experience is a big part of what makes it worthwhile.
- Check current hours, availability, and experience details before making the drive.
General walk-in admission and separately booked animal experiences are not necessarily the same thing, so read the booking information carefully when planning your visit.
Visiting Wild Hearts African Farm
Visitor entrance and parking:
7010 Jordan Road
Lewisburg, Ohio 45338
Website and booking information:
Wild Hearts African Farm
Phone: 937-416-5520
Email: contact@wildheartsafricanfarm.org
Wild Hearts currently lists walk-in hours Thursday through Saturday, with separate online booking available for certain tours and experiences. Hours, prices, and animal offerings can change, so confirm the details directly with Wild Hearts before visiting.
An Easy Way to Support Their Work
Because Wild Hearts is a nonprofit, supplies and financial support help care for the animals and continue its educational and conservation work. That does not mean you need to arrive carrying a carload of donations to enjoy your visit. Your admission and any experience you book already help support the organization.
If you are interested and able to do something additional, Wild Hearts maintains a wish list and accepts donations through its website. Checking the current list is the best way to make sure you bring something the organization can actually use. There are also membership options for those who want to provide ongoing support.
It is simply helpful information to know, especially if your visit leaves you wanting to be part of the work in another small way.
A Sweet Finish in Lewisburg
After leaving Wild Hearts, I made a little Lewisburg stop for a raspberry fudge cordial and a fireworks slushy. Apparently, spending part of the day with a capybara and groundhog was not quite enough whimsy for one outing.
It was a fun ending to a day that had already included animals, a hike through the original farm area, meaningful conversation, and a few good laughs. The kind of day that begins with one particular plan and becomes more memorable because of everything you did not know would be part of it.
Was the Capybara Experience Worth It?
Absolutely.
The capybara encounter was every bit as fun as I hoped, but my favorite part of the day may have been how personal the entire visit felt. Getting to meet several animals, explore more of the property, and talk with Amanda turned one bucket-list interaction into a fuller experience centered on curiosity, education, and conservation.
If you have been wanting to meet a capybara, Wild Hearts is worth adding to your Ohio adventure list. Book early, wear practical clothes, tie up your hair, and be prepared to fall a little bit in love with an animal that may also try to give you a new hairstyle.
Have you ever had an up-close animal encounter, or is there one animal you would travel to meet?
Until the next detour,
Wander With Me
Wander with Me 
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