Customers desert South Korea's animal cafes over virus fears

A beige feline paces between two Gaudi-style columns at the empty 2 Cats cafe in Seoul, with upturned stools standing on the tables where humans sat to play with them in pre-virus days.

Business has been devastated by the coronavirus outbreak, with South Koreans staying at home under social distancing guidelines, and tourism disappearing. But unlike other firms, these cafes cannot lay off staff as they have to look after the animals.

Raccoons, meerkats, rare breeds of cats and raccoon dogs have started to gain popularity in animal cafes. /VCG

Many also provide encounters with more exotic species. Meerkats and raccoons are particularly popular – both have behavior patterns endearing to human eyes – although the trade in these creatures faces heavy opposition from animal rights groups.

Ji Hyo-yeon, owner of the Raccoon Cafe Table A – which also stocks turtles and lizards as well as meerkats – said some people avoided his premises after hearing the virus was first contracted from a wild animal.

(Cover image via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at [email protected])

Source(s): AFP