Update by the edhat staff
October 4, 2025
Hook and Press donut shop has announced that Leonardough (Leo) the turtle has been safely returned.
The downtown Santa Barbara business stated that the tiny turtle was safely returned less than 24 hours after they posted their plea on social media with photos and videos of a woman pocketing Leo from the La Arcada turtle fountain. [See the original story with video of the suspects below.]
No further details were provided on how Leo was returned, but the shop owners will not press any charges and are simply excited that he is back home.
“We always knew how much this community ROCKS, but we can’t even begin to thank you all for amplifying yesterday’s post announcing that he had been taken. It’s because of your likes, comments, tags and shares that our message went viral and was able to spread so quickly – this is ultimately what led to his safe return less than 24hrs after our post went live. We owe this community a great debt of gratitude. We’ll never forget how you all came together to help save our little Leo!” Hook and Press stated.
Customers are encouraged to visit Leo in his fountain habitat but remember do not touch or pick him up, selfies are encouraged.
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—- Original Post —–
Santa Barbara Donut Shop Asks for Thieves Caught on Camera to Return Pet Turtle
By the edhat staff
October 3, 2025
A Santa Barbara donut shop is pleading with locals to identify thieves caught on camera stealing their pet turtle from the famous La Arcada Plaza turtle fountain.
Hook and Press, located at 15 E. Figueroa Street in downtown Santa Barbara’s La Arcada Plaza, took to social media to share video of the alleged thieves pocketing a silver dollar-sized turtle named Leonardough, aka “Leo.”
The plaza’s famous “La Arcada turtle” is a winged sculpture named Amelia sculpted by Bud Bottoms and named after pilot Amelia Earhart. It’s also the home of about a dozen local turtles that live in the fountain and greet hundreds of visitors each day.
According to the donut shop, Leo the turtle was abandoned in the fountain about six months ago and the owners of the nearby shop happily adopted him as their unofficial mascot.
“He immediately captured not only our hearts but those of our staff, customers and fellow neighbors in the plaza. He was fed, well looked after by many, and thriving in his little fountain home,” the shop posted.
This past Sunday, September 28, video surveillance shows that “Leo” was stolen by one adult accompanied by two others.
Hook and Press is now sharing photos of Leo and surveillance footage that shows an adult woman holding the turtle and apparently walking off with it.
“We’re asking the community to reach out to us with any information that could help bring him home. We’re all heartbroken and miss him dearly,” the shop writes.
The owners stated they are looking into filing a police report, however, everything will be dropped if Leo is simply returned.
The full video is available below:
View this post on Instagram
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I can’t find the link… Per KEYT news (3 ABC) Leo’s been returned around 4:00 PM!!! “No charges will be pressed” way to go, best outcome ever!
🚴
They found him out at Eller’s Donuts, looking for a real cinnamon roll.
Just had to throw in some nastiness, eh?
Heck no it’s called humor! Some folks here don’t know what that is.
And BI guy is the prime example.
It says “Anyone can go and visit Leo – but not touch – at Hook and Press Donut Shop at 15 E Figueroa St in Santa Barbara.”…
I’d add to that Selfies appreciated…
Both donuts and turtles aren’t very healthy for humans. Let it go.
WTH? Where does it say they were planning on eating the turtle or licking its shell?
This pet was stolen. Would you say “let it go” if someone stole your dog just because dog meat might not be “very healthy for humans?”
He may be referring to the possibility of catching salmonella from pet turtles. From handling them, not eating them.
Trump; ” They’re eating the dogs!”
Neither is being in a constant state of aggressive bigoted sourpuss like BI.
Sooo, having a turtle living in a big tank on your kitchen counter okay at a kids day care okay? Even passing inspections by city? Just curious….
Hats – huh?
Justice for Leo!
He’s probably better off @ Alice Keck
So are you….