BARNESVILLE — Captina Conservancy reports the death of Marvin, a beloved hellbender salamander, on June 12. At more than 45 years old, Marvin was one of the oldest living salamanders on record. She served as an educational ambassador animal during her four years with Captina Conservancy, a local non-profit land trust.

Marvin was born sometime before 1980 in Salt Creek, Chillicothe, Ohio, and was collected in 1985 by herpetologists Ralph and Joan Pfingsten. The Pfingstens cared for Marvin under a special permit in their home in the Cleveland area until 2021.

Marvin was an eastern hellbender salamander, an endangered species that lives underwater in clean, fast-moving creeks and streams. She moved to Barnesville to highlight Captina Creek, home of a thriving population of hellbender salamanders.

Marvin loved to snack on crayfish and minnows. Her hobbies included hanging out under rocks and laying on top of underwater bubblers.

Students from Barnesville Middle School, local boy and girl scout groups, and Olney Friends School all loved to visit Marvin and watch her chomp down on a worm or other special treat. Marvin also had a TikTok account (@marvindoingnothing) that reached thousands of viewers.

“It was an honor to care for and work with Marvin,” Ellie Ewing, executive director of Captina Conservancy, said. “We will miss seeing her antics every day.”

Marvin was preceded in death by Ralph Pfingsten in 2021. Ralph was a prolific author, researcher, and educator whose work paved the way for hellbender protection across Ohio. Marvin is survived by Joan Pfingsten; her Captina Conservancy care team; and the Olney Friends students who lovingly checked in on Marvin daily.

Marvin’s stay at Captina Conservancy was made possible by support from Captina Conservancy members and volunteers, the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, EQT Foundation, and the Columbus Zoo. Special thanks to Barnesville Woodsfield Veterinary Services for their diligent care of Marvin in her final days.

Marvin was buried at a special location along Captina Creek, a known nesting spot for eastern hellbenders, during a private ceremony for her close family and friends.

If you would like to honor Marvin’s legacy, you can donate in her name to: Captina Conservancy, PO Box 318, Barnesville, Ohio 43713.