Brady in Partnership with San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
First Equine-Assisted Therapy in a Zoo Environment
Brady’s public-facing gate area across from the SF Zoo’s camel enclosure
Since 2019, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens has been home to Brady’s herd and programs. Brady is the first equine-assisted therapy program in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility.
Zoos have evolved over the decades to focus on conservation of animal species and preservation of wild habitats, including how animals are perceived living under human care. The SF Zoo’s 4 C’s—Care, Connect, Conservation, and Community—align beautifully with Brady’s mission of bringing strength and healing to children with special needs and the San Francisco community through the love and care of horses.
Since moving onto Zoo grounds, Brady has expanded its program from one day to five days per week, year-round, allowing us to widen community access to the healing power of horses. Together, we are building a scalable model for other zoo/therapy program partnerships to follow.
NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK
March 17 - 23, 2026
This celebration week has been especially meaningful at Brady as we welcomed members of local media, program leaders, and advocates from the neurodiversity community. It was a wonderful opportunity to share Brady’s work and connect with others who believe in creating spaces where every individual can thrive.
On Saturday, March 21, Brady hosted horse meet-and-greets for guests visiting the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens at our new public-facing gate across from the camel’s enclosure.
Families of all kinds stopped by to meet Pete (not pictured), Lola, Toby, and Tallulah—and the smiles said it all. Children read stories aloud, colored pages from our Brady Year of the Horse Coloring Book, and proudly carried home pony stickers as souvenirs of the day. Moments like these remind us why this work matters: connection, confidence, curiosity—and a little horse-powered joy.
A heartfelt thank-you to the SF Zoo staff for their enthusiastic partnership and seamless collaboration in making this celebration so welcoming and memorable for all.
On Sunday, March 22, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens invited autism advocate Avery of Avery’s Autism Adventures and her friends to visit the Brady barn for a hands-on experience in the magic of equine connection.
They didn’t just visit—they jumped right in: scooping poop (a true barn rite of passage!), grooming Lola, and leading ponies through the arena and along the trail. We loved sharing this special day with them and are especially grateful to the mothers whose steady encouragement helped make each new step possible.