Sarah Glass, a psychology graduate from Carnegie-Mello picked an interesting career considering her major. Glass is the curator of special events and red pandas at Knoxville Zoo.

For her position, Glass coordinates special exhibits and animal events. She oversees the red panda program and other small mammals such as marmosets and prairie dogs.

Glass has been at Knoxville Zoo since 1993. She started the conservation with pandas.

"I fell in love with the species and have been here ever since," she said.

You have to be happy working in 12 degree weather or 112 degree weather. It is a 24/7, 365 days a year job. Sarah Glass, Knoxville Zoo curator The zoo has a new red panda exhibit, The Boyd Family Red Panda Village, that opened on Oct. 10 of this year.

"We desparately needed a new exhibit. This is a better way to showcase the species," said Glass.

Knoxville Zoo is number one in North America for red panda breedings. Glass said that fossil records of red pandas have actually been found in East Tennessee that date back 4.5-7 million years ago. When asked for some interesting facts on the red pandas, Glass said that they are the only species of panda. The giant pandas are actually in the large bear group.

Glass enjoys working with the animals. She advised that anyone interested in a job at the zoo intern or volunteer first.

"You have to be happy working in 12 degree weather or 112 degree weather. It is a 24/7, 365 days a year job," Glass said. She pointed out that whether it be a football Sunday or Christmas, the animals have still got to eat.