Brennan’s Pub in Marina del Rey has permanently closed, bringing a long-overdue end to its turtle racing events. In Defense of Animals, joined by Baywatch star Alexandra Paul, is welcoming this moment as an important turning point for the turtles who were exploited for entertainment for decades and as a golden opportunity to ensure their future safety.

For more than 50 years, Brennan’s hosted turtle races, an event the bar itself once called the “world’s stupidest sport.” Over time, In Defense of Animals worked to educate the public about the harm these events caused, helping people understand that turtles are sensitive animals who suffer when subjected to screaming crowds, bright lights, loud music, and constant handling.

As awareness grew, animal advocates across the country continued to reach out to Brennan’s Operating Partner Sean Phagan to express concern about the races and to urge the business to move away from animal-based entertainment. Activists also demonstrated outside the bar, keeping attention focused on the turtles’ welfare and ensuring the issue remained visible within the community.

As part of this effort, a veteran turtle biologist documented the stress reptiles experience in chaotic environments like bars, reinforcing what advocates have long warned. Turtles do not belong in loud, crowded spaces and should never be used as props for entertainment. Ending the races was an important step, but ensuring the turtles’ well-being beyond race night has always been central to this work.

The campaign gained wider attention as more people spoke up, including other compassionate public figures, including two Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stars.

On the night of the final turtle race in late December, Brennan’s management acknowledged the need to find new homes for the turtles. Since then, an important and encouraging development has occurred. The bar owners have agreed to allow In Defense of Animals to help place the turtles in appropriate outdoor homes. This marks a meaningful shift from conflict to cooperation, centered on the animals’ best interests.

In Defense of Animals is now actively working to coordinate the turtles’ placement so they can live in environments that meet their needs, with access to fresh air, sunlight, space to move, and proper veterinary care. After years of confinement and stress, they finally have a real opportunity for a peaceful retirement in conditions that respect who they are.

This moment reflects what sustained education and public engagement can achieve. Our supporters helped elevate concern for the turtles and change how the public understands the impact of using animals for entertainment. Now, In Defense of Animals is focused on what matters most: ensuring these turtles finally receive the care, dignity, and safe futures they have always deserved.

Thank you for standing with them and with us.