LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP)- A zoo in Lafayette has taken in three hellbender salamanders as part of an effort to bring back the species.

WLFI-TV reports Purdue University researcher Rod Williams handed off the salamanders Monday to the Columbian Park Zoo. North America's largest salamander won't be on regular display at the zoo, but education and outreach programs are planned for summer.

Purdue is working with three zoos and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on a program to breed the salamander in captivity. The animals would then be released into their southern Indiana habitat. The species is in decline nationally.

Zoos in Fort Wayne and Evansville were also set receive the salamanders.