CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd; 502-744-5639; Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are thrilled to announce the Zoo is joining the Eastern Hellbender Restoration Program, an initiative started by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (Kentucky Fish and Wildlife), to help recover one of Kentucky’s most unique native wildlife species: the rare eastern hellbender.
Although many guests know the Louisville Zoo for the animals in its care, the Zoo’s conservation work reaches far beyond its campus. Through the Zoo’s Eastern Hellbender Head-Start Program, staff will help raise young hellbenders until they are large enough to be released into the wild, improving their chances of survival and contributing to the long-term recovery of the species. This work is similar to the Zoo’s participation in the national Black Footed-Ferret Recovery Program, where the endangered mustelids are bred and then released into the wild to strengthen the native population.
The Louisville Zoo’s Eastern Hellbender Lab is currently home to 15 young hellbenders that were collected as eggs from local streams last fall and are now growing up strong and healthy at the Zoo.
The eastern hellbender, North America’s largest salamander, is native to streams and rivers throughout 15 states, including Kentucky and Indiana. Hellbenders require clean, cool, well-oxygenated waterways to thrive. Due to their sensitivity to pollution and habitat degradation, their presence is an important indicator of stream health.
Rare species like the eastern hellbender are restoring their numbers in our area thanks to more awareness about the importance of stream health. Conservation organizations, including the Zoo and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and the KY Waterways Alliance, have worked with local and state officials to improve the health of streams through restoration efforts and strategic management of regional waterways.
“The Louisville Zoo continues to demonstrate that their commitment to conservation is more than caring for animals on the Zoo’s campus,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Through partnerships like this one, the Zoo is helping preserve Kentucky’s natural heritage and inspire future generations to value and protect our environment.”
“Modern Zoos serve as conservation centers, and our new work with eastern hellbenders and, of course, our longtime work with black-footed ferrets, are perfect examples of that mission in action,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “We are proud to work alongside the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to help protect a species that is both ecologically important as well as Kentucky’s official state amphibian. Every animal successfully released into the wild brings us one step closer to a healthier future for our rivers and streams.”
“Partnering with the Louisville Zoo to expand the capacity for rearing young eastern hellbenders is an important milestone in Kentucky’s Eastern Hellbender Restoration Program,” said Courtney Hayes, wildlife biologist with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “Although adult hellbenders can still be found, reproducing populations have disappeared from many streams throughout the state. Without young hellbenders to replace the aging adults, eastern hellbenders will disappear from Kentucky. We are proud to partner with the Zoo to help Kentucky’s hellbender populations thrive for generations to come.”
About the Eastern Hellbender
The Eastern hellbender is North America’s largest salamander and can grow to nearly two feet long. Despite nicknames such as “snot otter” and “mud devil,” hellbenders are harmless to humans and serve as important indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems. In the wild, eastern hellbenders are rare due to poor quality waterways. Hellbenders require clean, fast moving, well oxygenated water to survive. Many Kentucky and Indiana streams were dammed decades ago, slowing the water and reducing the overall health of the local ecosystem. Additionally, agricultural runoff can contribute to sediment buildup and deteriorating stream conditions. Their decline throughout much of their historic range has made conservation and habitat restoration efforts critical to the species’ future. In 2025, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials proposed listing the Eastern hellbender as an endangered species.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. Beginning September 21, 2026 – March 19, 2027, hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with guest exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.
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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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