Joan Procter,

The lady who tamed dragons

By Giana Govender

Who is an example of a highly unusual, unsung hero in zoologist?

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David Attenborough once said, “Reptiles and amphibians are sometimes thought of as primitive, dull and dim-witted. In fact, of course, they can be lethally fast, spectacularly beautiful, surprisingly affectionate and very sophisticated.”

This is what Joan Procter tried to teach the world.

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Joan’s childhood

Joan Procter was a sickly child born in London on 5 August 1897. Her father, Joseph Procter, was a stockbroker and her mother, Elizabeth Procter, was an artist. Both Joan and her older sister Chrystabel were interested in science and art.

Joan developed a special interest in reptiles and amphibians whilst very young and studied all the British species of reptile. By the age of ten she had seven pet snakes and lizards and even took her favourite lizard everywhere she went.

Her schooling

Her affection for reptiles progressed further during her time at St Paul's Girls' School. For her sixteenth birthday she was given a young crocodile as a pet and took it with her to school, creating disquietude during her maths lesson!

Although she was seen as strange, she was considered a “brilliant” student. Unfortunately she was too ill to fulfill her dream of going to Cambridge University, however her interest in reptiles continued to grow.

Her work as a zoologist

Joan’s fascination for reptiles was noticed by the Keeper of Reptiles and Fishes at the British Museum, George Boulenger. He agreed to assist her with her studies and when she was nineteen she presented her first scientific paper. A year later she was elected as a citizen of the Zoological Society. Joan continued her research on reptiles and in 1920 she took over from George Boulenger. Three years later she assisted his son, Edward, with developing the new Aquarium at London Zoo. The aquarium was a success and Joan was appointed as the first female Curator of Reptiles.