Get to Know
Joan Beauchamp Procter
In this fact-file find out why we turned Joan into a superhero.
ABOUT JOAN
Superhero Backstory
Joan has a super sense of smell. She can smell anything, even at extreme distances. Joan can also link her mind with reptiles, sharing thoughts, memories and emotions.
Are you wondering why her superpower is enhanced smell? Did you know that snakes and lizards flick their tongues in the air to capture scent particles. They don't smell through their noses like us.
Are you wondering why her superpower is enhanced smell? Did you know that snakes and lizards flick their tongues in the air to capture scent particles. They don't smell through their noses like us.
Joan Beauchamp Procter
Occupation: Herpetologist
Born: 1897
Died: 1931
Nationality: British
Joan's passion for nature began at a young age and she kept many reptiles as pets. At 19 she wrote her first paper about the Pit Viper.
Later Joan was elected as a fellow of ZSL, she had become an expert in the routine handling of animals such as large pythons, crocodilians and Komodo dragons and also had two species of reptiles named after her: Buhoma procterae (snake) and Testudo procterae (tortoise).
Born: 1897
Died: 1931
Nationality: British
Joan's passion for nature began at a young age and she kept many reptiles as pets. At 19 she wrote her first paper about the Pit Viper.
Later Joan was elected as a fellow of ZSL, she had become an expert in the routine handling of animals such as large pythons, crocodilians and Komodo dragons and also had two species of reptiles named after her: Buhoma procterae (snake) and Testudo procterae (tortoise).
Top Quarkz
Joan features in our signature card game, Top Quarkz. The game supports development of maths, literacy and decision making skills all while learning about some of the most impressive scientific discoveries throughout history.
We've explained her playing card below so you can learn more about both her superhero and her real-life identity.
We've explained her playing card below so you can learn more about both her superhero and her real-life identity.
We gave her this superpower because snakes and lizards flick their tongues in the air to capture scent particles.
In the background of the drawing, behind Joan, is a Komodo Dragon: Sumbawa. Sumbawa became Joan Procter's particular pet and accompanied her when she walked around the London Zoo.
Superpower
Discovery
Joan pioneered the use of 'Vita-glass', which allowed natural light, needed by reptiles, to reach the animals.
Komodo dragons is a species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo.
Location
SideKick
Joan became expert in Komodo dragons and one accompanied her when she walked around the Zoo.
Reptiles are exothermic (cold-blooded) creatures. If they get too cold they will suffer and could die.
Weakness
Top Quarkz Card Explained
Each drawing we create has one or more hidden treasure(s) about our superheroes' life experiences, depictions in art, jobs or discoveries. Did you find the ones hidden in this drawing?
Hidden Treasures
We have packed a lot into our cards - from amazing imagined superpowers to biographical information and hidden treasures.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
What Does a Herpetologist Do?
Herpetologists study of reptiles and amphibians, they might spend time in offices, labs or spent outdoors in the field.
Video credit: NCSU BIT
Video credit: NCSU BIT
Discover More
Discover the story of Joan Procter, in this video reading of the book Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor . This reptile-loving little girl grew up to be one of the world's leading zoologists and changed the way we look at reptiles!
Video credit: Give us a Story
Video credit: Give us a Story
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Fun Facts
A Day In The Life of
A Day in the Life of a Herpetologist! Meet herpetologist, Stephany Hernandez! She helps care for the Zoo's many reptiles and amphibians.
Video credit: OKC Zoo
Video credit: OKC Zoo
Snakes have much slower metabolisms and some types of snakes can go months without eating.
Snake scales are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up the hair and fingernails of humans.
Snakes and lizards flick their tongues in the air to capture scent particles.
The Aldabra tortoise can live for more than 150 years.
Snake scales are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up the hair and fingernails of humans.
Snakes and lizards flick their tongues in the air to capture scent particles.
The Aldabra tortoise can live for more than 150 years.
What do reptiles have in common?
Find out which types of animals are reptiles and what all reptiles have in common.
Video credit: sciencewithkids.com
Video credit: sciencewithkids.com
Komodo Dragons?
Komodo dragons were discovered in 1910 on an Indonesian island. They can climb trees, swim and run 29km per hour.
Video credit: Happy Learning English
Video credit: Happy Learning English
Amazing Facts About Crocodiles
Joan thought crocodiles were pretty amazing, she even took one to school! Check out this video and learn some amazing facts about crocodiles.
Video credit: National Geographic Kids
Video credit: National Geographic Kids