WOMAN SNAKE EXPERT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21036, 21 November 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

WOMAN SNAKE EXPERT.

DEATH OF ZOO CURATOR

HANDLING OF REPTILES

The London Zoo and British science have suffered a loss through the death, in September, after an illness lasting some weeks, of Miss Joan Beauchamp Procter, the gifted young woman who had been curator of reptiles at the 7,00 since 1923—an unusual post for a woman to hold. Miss Procter, who was *only 34 years of age, had already made her name among zoologists for her patient research work and observation among the snakes, crocodiles, lizards, frogs and other creatures which are displayed in the zoo's reptile house, which she designed, and which set a new standard to the world. As a child Miss Procter had kept living reptiles and amphibians and grew expert in their care and handling before ever she thought of adopting zoological work as a career. When Mr. E. G. Boulenger, who had been curator of reptiles at the zoo for some years, was appointed to take charge of the zoo's fine new aquarium. Miss Procter, who was in charge of a section of the Natural History Museum, was chosen to succeed him as curator of the zoo's reptiles. This post made her name and work known among zoologists in all parts of the world. Miss Procter designed and modelled many of the fascinating scenic rockeries in the aquarium tank; she drew up the plan for the picturesque rock work for Monkey Hill at the zoo, and she planned other rockeries which in recent years have made the zoo a better place for its animals to live in. An innate aptitude and talent for her work was displayed by Miss Procter. She was fearless, but perfectly sensible, in her handling of dangerous creatures. One of Miss Procter's achievements has been the keeping in captivity for some years of two Komoclo dragons, seven feet lone rare creatures which are among the " treasures "of the zoo. She tamed these dragons and kept them tame so that when they were allowed outside then cage they would follow her about.