Pammy’s Pony Parties traces its origin back to a single moment 15 years ago, when Pamela rescued a newborn Suffolk lamb named Julian after its mother abandoned it on a farm. While bottle-feeding the lamb back to health, Pamela, already a lifelong animal lover, found herself forming a bond she hadn’t experienced before.
Though she had worked as a veterinary technician at Helen Woodward Animal Hospital and spent earlier chapters of her life as a champion rodeo rider in the 1960s and a member of the London Hunt in the 1980s, Pamela had never spent much time with farm animals. That changed quickly. Julian became the catalyst for a growing menagerie that eventually included goats, sheep, exotic chickens, giant Flemish rabbits, a Kune Kune pig from New Zealand, a pony, and a quarter horse.
As friends, neighbors, and parents began asking if their children could visit and meet the animals, Pamela recognized an opportunity to share something special. What started informally soon became Pammy’s Pony Parties and Petting Zoo, now considered one of the longest-running and most in-demand mobile petting zoos in San Diego County.
Today, Pammy’s Pony Parties is a familiar and trusted name throughout the region. The animals regularly appear at church and synagogue events, birthday parties, quinceañeras, preschool programs, opening-day celebrations, and seasonal festivals.
As a former preschool teacher, Pamela brings an educator’s perspective to every interaction. Her work emphasizes gentle handling, empathy, and respect for animals, especially for young children encountering farm animals for the first time. Over the years, she has also worked extensively with children with autism and special needs, introducing animals as a bridge to trust, communication, and emotional comfort. The experience is intentionally hands-on but calm, creating a setting where children learn responsibility and kindness without pressure or overstimulation.
Beyond private events, Pamela has donated her time and animals to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, senior centers, and community programs throughout San Diego. Her petting zoo has visited UC San Diego Health facilities and memory care centers, where the presence of animals often sparks powerful emotional responses.
One particularly memorable visit involved a non-verbal woman living with Alzheimer’s disease who had not spoken in months. When introduced to one of Pamela’s ponies, the woman spent nearly an hour reminiscing about her childhood horse, brushing the pony and sharing detailed memories that had seemed lost. Moments like that, Pamela says, are what sustain her work year after year.
As a former preschool teacher, Pamela brings an educator’s perspective to every interaction. Her work emphasizes gentle handling, empathy, and respect for animals, especially for young children encountering farm animals for the first time. Over the years, she has also worked extensively with children with autism and special needs, introducing animals as a bridge to trust, communication, and emotional comfort. The experience is intentionally hands-on but calm, creating a setting where children learn responsibility and kindness without pressure or overstimulation.
Beyond private events, Pamela has donated her time and animals to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, senior centers, and community programs throughout San Diego. Her petting zoo has visited UC San Diego Health facilities and memory care centers, where the presence of animals often sparks powerful emotional responses.
One particularly memorable visit involved a non-verbal woman living with Alzheimer’s disease who had not spoken in months. When introduced to one of Pamela’s ponies, the woman spent nearly an hour reminiscing about her childhood horse, brushing the pony and sharing detailed memories that had seemed lost. Moments like that, Pamela says, are what sustain her work year after year.
Pammy’s Pony Parties is known not just for its events, but for the animals themselves, many of whom have stories that resonate with guests. Among the favorites are Layla and Marshmallow, a pair of giant Flemish rabbits whose size and gentle personalities have made them instant crowd-pleasers. Another standout is a 25-year-old rescue pony who spent five years in isolation before finding a second life filled with attention, affection, and treats.
The business has also crossed into the entertainment world. Pamela and her animals have worked as animal wranglers for film, television, and print projects, including collaborations with MTV Movie Awards productions, Marvel films, Lionsgate, and multiple campaigns with Boot Barn.
Pamela Kramer Glickman’s work exists at the intersection of education, animal welfare, and community service, quietly shaping memories for thousands of San Diego families. Her impact is often felt years later, when teenagers reach out to volunteer with the same petting zoo they once visited as preschoolers.
She is also the mother of Stephen Kramer Glickman, the actor and comedian best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, and Natalie London, the lead singer/songwriter of the internationally known indie rock band ‘Hey, King!’ which has been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. While her children's careers have unfolded on national stages, Pamela’s legacy has been built locally, in backyards, schoolyards, and community spaces throughout San Diego County.
Pammy’s Pony Parties and Petting Zoo continues to operate across the region, bringing animals, and the lessons they teach, directly to the people who need them most.
For more information, Pammy’s Pony Parties and Petting Zoo can be found on Facebook, or Pamela can be reached directly at PamelaKG51@gmail.com.
The business has also crossed into the entertainment world. Pamela and her animals have worked as animal wranglers for film, television, and print projects, including collaborations with MTV Movie Awards productions, Marvel films, Lionsgate, and multiple campaigns with Boot Barn.
Pamela Kramer Glickman’s work exists at the intersection of education, animal welfare, and community service, quietly shaping memories for thousands of San Diego families. Her impact is often felt years later, when teenagers reach out to volunteer with the same petting zoo they once visited as preschoolers.
She is also the mother of Stephen Kramer Glickman, the actor and comedian best known for his role as Gustavo Rocque on Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, and Natalie London, the lead singer/songwriter of the internationally known indie rock band ‘Hey, King!’ which has been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. While her children's careers have unfolded on national stages, Pamela’s legacy has been built locally, in backyards, schoolyards, and community spaces throughout San Diego County.
Pammy’s Pony Parties and Petting Zoo continues to operate across the region, bringing animals, and the lessons they teach, directly to the people who need them most.
For more information, Pammy’s Pony Parties and Petting Zoo can be found on Facebook, or Pamela can be reached directly at PamelaKG51@gmail.com.
Originally published on January 25, 2026.
