![](\"https:\/\/lloydcenter.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/koko-house-1-800.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMichael J. Panarelli, 71, of Dighton, MA has been a longtime fan of raptors and other birds. So much so, in fact, that in his retirement he has built specialty roosting and nesting bird houses for local birds. Mike has worked closely with local Audubon organizations to make sure that his bird houses<\/a> aren\u2019t simply beautiful: every measurement, material, and addition to the houses is created with the bird in mind.<\/p>\n Mike learned of the Lloyd Center\u2019s resident rehabilitated screech owl, Koko, through his good friend and author of \u201cOwlet Rescue\u2026\u201d Cheryl Aguiar. Upon learning of our pint-sized animal ambassador, he decided to create and donate one of his bird houses to Koko. The house he built is a beauty! It is made using all non-toxic materials, built using native white pine, and the roof is shingled with real cedar. The exterior is sealed and there are venting slots in the upper portion to prevent heat buildup and drain holes in the floor. Most appreciated by Koko\u2019s caretakers are the pivoting side panels that open for easy and thorough cleaning. Finally, Mike inscribed Koko\u2019s name on the front of her house!<\/p>\n On Friday, September 8th, Mike brought his gift to Koko. Alongside Lloyd Center Educator Erika Fernandes, he was able to meet Koko up-close and personal. Koko was calm and happy; she was in a particularly amazing mood during the meeting\u2014it\u2019s as if she knew! The happy feeling was mutual. About the meeting, Mike claims, \u201cTruly, what a thrill. Words can\u2019t express how exciting and enjoyable this is for me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience\u201d. Lloyd Center Educator \/ Outreach Specialist, Ashley Gesner, also presented our stunning red-shouldered hawk, \u201cHawk\u201d, to Mike. Witnessing Hawk\u2019s powerful presence, Mike shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t get many days like this one\u201d.<\/p>\n The Lloyd Center, Koko, and her caretakers, are incredibly thankful for Mike\u2019s kindness and generosity. His well-made and thoughtful gift is built to last and will benefit Koko for years to come. We\u2014and our little owl\u2014 look forward to seeing Mike again this upcoming Saturday for our Koko and Friends: Animal Encounters Event. Join us on Saturday, September 23rd, to see Koko and her amazing new roosting house!<\/p>\n Visit Mike’s Shop Here<\/a><\/p>\n New Digs<\/a><\/p>\n