Hellbender Release - 07.16.24

Hellbenders - the largest salamander species in North America - are a threatened species across much of their range. Populations are declining due to multiple factors, including habitat degradation and pollution. As part of the Indianapolis Zoo’s conservation work, we have cared for a population of more than 200 hellbenders that we received as eggs in 2020. We are members of the Help the Hellbender Project, which started at Purdue University. Along with several other zoos, we are trying to give the hellbenders a head-start at surviving in the wild. Coupled with habitat improvements and community outreach, these wild populations are already showing signs of rebounding. Just last summer, researchers discovered a very young hellbender in the Blue River. It is likely the offspring of captive-reared and released hellbenders from the Help the Hellbender Project. This summer marks the biggest season yet for hellbender releases in Indiana. Nearly every Tuesday in July and August, teams of scientists and volunteers will transport all of the Indianapolis Zoo’s captive-reared hellbenders to release sites.