Choctaw Science Cafe

Come sit down with a scientist and learn about some of the current scientific research going on. We’ll have a presentation from someone in the scientific community followed by a discussion and Q&A. No Science background is needed or required to attend. Our presenter will Maree Pascall.

Maree earned a BS in Zoology from NC State University - Worked at Detroit Zoo, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, and the Dallas Zoo, all with herps – last position being a lead keeper of the Dallas Zoo elapid collection (cobras, mambas, etc).  

She has 5 years of herpetological husbandry and welfare as main experiences, with an interest in toxicology and venomics – how venom works, how it evolved, and utilization in the medical world. She also worked at a venom lab for 14 months that is a leading provider of venom for research studies.

As a zookeeper, her goal was to ensure healthy and enriching lives for the animals she was caring for. She also strived to make reptiles approachable for guests  to interact with in one way or another – or at least diminish the ‘ick’ reaction. 

As an educator, Maree continue her studies in herpetology through colleague discussions and reading recent studies.  

• Discussion topics: 
  • Reptile intro – ecology, diversity - OK natives
  • Reptile husbandry and care 
  • Reptile enclosure design and welfare 
  • Venom research – what is it, how is venom used by the animal and by humans