Our Story: Hatching an Idea
Cuddles Café was born from an unexpected passion that quickly became a call to action. It all started when our founder, Christine Kim, visited a local non-profit reptile rescue to donate some equipment. She was horrified to see the immense struggle these animals faced due to a sheer lack of resources.
This visit sent her down a rabbit hole. She discovered the dangerously high mortality rate for reptiles, often caused by prevalent misinformation online—a trap she herself had fallen into as a new snake keeper. The numbers were staggering: countless reptiles being surrendered, with tragically low adoption rates to match. The weight of this crisis kept her up at night for nearly two weeks.
Then, an idea flashed in her mind. She remembered the immense success of animal cafes in East Asia and saw a path forward. She knew that by combining the proven, engaging café model with the expert animal care she had learned from specialists, she could create a true safe haven for snakes in need. A place that would not only provide them with a loving home but would also serve as a beacon of proper education for the community.
From that moment, the journey to build Cuddles Café began.
Meet the Founder
Christine Kim is the heart and mind behind Cuddles Café. While she is a dedicated tech project manager for the City of Bellevue, her true passion lies in creating a better world for reptiles. After falling in love with snakes and discovering the challenges they face, she was determined to build a solution.
Christine channels her extensive experience as a PMP-certified project manager into every detail of the café. Her expertise means that every habitat is meticulously planned, every safety protocol is expertly managed, and every guest has a world-class experience. She is dedicated to combining her professional skills with her personal passion to create a unique sanctuary where humans and reptiles can connect, learn, and thrive together
“When you step into Cuddles Cafe, you're not just observing; you're connecting, understanding, and becoming a part of a community that champions the well-being and appreciation of reptiles. Our core belief is that every interaction will leave both reptiles and humans enriched, fostering a bond that resonates with respect, care, and love.”
Our Vision
