About Project Barnyard
Located near the breathtaking Zion National Park, Project Barnyard is dedicated to giving animals a second chance at life. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary, we're committed to saving equines and farm animals from abuse, neglect, and the slaughter pipeline.
Every animal here has a story of resilience and hope, and we're honored to be a part of their journey.
Our Mission
Sanctuary First, Always
Project Barnyard is dedicated to providing our rescues with the life they deserve. Each animal requires specialized, individualized care.
While we operate as a rescue organization, our primary focus is to offer sanctuary to our animals, allowing them to live out their lives peacefully on pasture here with us. Through our efforts, we aim to raise awareness about the realities of the horse industry and continue give animals the happily-ever-after they deserve.
Our Impact
Numbers Behind the Sanctuary
75
Animals Rescued
7
Species of Animals
2023
Year Founded
100%
Of Rescues Stay For Life
Our Story
How We Started
In 2023, Project Barnyard was born out of a simple yet profound goal: to save animals and provide them with sanctuary.
Hi, my name is Tessa and I am the Co-Founder of Project Barnyard Foundation! I always dreamed of having an animal sanctuary but I could never have imagined it would happen so early in life. In April of 2023, at just 22 years old, a text from my godmother, Kathy, set this dream into motion. A message came through my phone, accompanied by photos of grassy pastures, a barn, and a small home that said, "Would you live here?". At the time, my husband, Easton, and I were living in San Diego and eager to get out of the city. We re-read the message and glanced at each other and said, "yes". Kathy's final message came through sharing, "We could finally start our rescue!".
A few weeks later we made the drive to Utah — excited but anxious about this huge life change. We arrived around midnight, barely able to see anything more than the starry sky and the path to the house. The next morning, I looked out the window and my jaw nearly hit the floor. I woke Easton up and told him to come outside with me. Walking down the front steps and into the large grass pasture, we both felt an undeniable certainty — this was where we were meant to be.
"As I walked into her paddock and placed my hand on her, I knew instantly she was destined to be the mascot of our new endeavor."
Returning to San Diego, we were full of anticipation and began planning. I reached out to another equine rescue I had been following for a while and asked if we could visit and see what rescue life was like firsthand. Coincidentally, they were hosting an open barn that weekend. Walking around the property, among nearly a hundred rescued animals, filled me with profound joy, but it was meeting Lucille, a senior mule rescued from the direct ship pen in Bowie, Texas earlier that year, that truly touched my heart. As I walked into her paddock and placed my hand on her, I knew instantly she was destined to be the mascot of our new endeavor.
Less than two months later, my husband Easton and I relocated our lives, along with our animals, and moved to a 15-acre property nestled beside Zion National Park. This special place is now known today as Project Barnyard. This journey has been exciting, heartbreaking, tiring, rewarding but most of all — worth it. Every moment, whether inspiring or difficult, has reinforced our commitment to this mission. I would do anything for the animals we rescue and know with absolute certainty that this is my true purpose.
Tessa Gormican
Co Founder, Project Barnyard
Join The Family
Every Animal Saved is Because of YOUR Support
Sponsor a rescue, book a visit, or give once — it all helps this mission and journey continue.