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A number of coffee shops have combined serving caffeinated beverages with the handling of a several species of exotic domesticated animals.
Owners of these shops are often animal-lovers who wish to share their affection with the public. Customers are allowed the chance to handle pets not often seen in Vietnam, such as Persian cats, Siberian huskies and rare reptiles. Many of them had to be imported from far-away countries.
A spot that has become popular is the Pet Café, located on Tran Huu Tuoc, Dong Da District, is well-known for their reptile collection. It serves not only as a place for entertainment, but also as a meeting spot for people who share a love for animals. The owner, Nguyen Minh Nghia, established the business, the first of it's kind in Hanoi, because of a long fascination with animals which started in childhood.
At first many young people were frightened to interact with the cafe's collection. But gradually, with some careful help and instruction by the staff, customers came to get used to the idea and even enjoy the time they spent around the animals.
Pham Oanh, a 23-year old customer, said, “Once you make contact with animals like lizards, other sorts of reptiles and even spiders, you will find out that they are actually friendly."
At the same time as customers are allowed to handle the creatures they are also given information about their habitats, diets and the way they live.
The cafe has also become trendy among parents who wish to show their children animals that they normally might only see on television.
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