Henney’s emotional support alligator, Wally, went missing during a vacation in Brunswick, Georgia, leading the Pennsylvania man on a desperate search for his beloved reptile. Henney has garnered a large following on social media for Wally, with videos and photos showing the alligator being petted and hugged like a teddy bear. Wally’s popularity skyrocketed when he was denied entry to a Philadelphia Phillies game. Henney suspects that Wally was stolen from the fenced enclosure where he spent the night during the vacation on April 21, causing him distress and prompting a plea for help from the public.
Henney previously stated that he acquired Wally in 2015 after the alligator was rescued in Florida at 14 months old. Wally became an emotional support animal for Henney, helping alleviate depression following the deaths of close friends. Despite concerns about the missing alligator, no police reports have been filed in Brunswick or Glynn County regarding Wally. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources did respond to a nuisance alligator report on the day Wally went missing, but it remains unclear if the captured gator was indeed Wally. Georgia law prohibits keeping alligators without a special license or permit, with the state not granting permits for pet alligators.
While Pennsylvania does not have a state law against owning alligators, it is illegal to release them into the wild. Wildlife biologist David Mixon from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources emphasized the unpredictability of alligators, even if they appear docile. Alligators can react quickly to stimuli and may cause harm, requiring caution when handling them. In Florida, where over 1.3 million alligators reside, more than 450 cases of unprovoked alligator bites on humans have been recorded since 1948. Emotional support animals like Wally do not receive specialized training like service animals, but can provide comfort to individuals with mental health conditions.
Lori Kogan, a psychologist and professor at Colorado State University, explained that while emotional support animals offer comfort to their owners, they do not have the same training as service animals. Owners of emotional support animals typically receive letters of endorsement from health professionals for their diagnosed mental health conditions. People can form strong attachments to a variety of animals, including reptiles like alligators, finding comfort and solace in their presence. Despite the challenges of keeping an alligator as an emotional support animal, the bond between Henney and Wally highlights the unique ways these creatures can provide support to those in need. Henney’s earnest plea for help underscores the deep connection he shares with Wally and his determination to reunite with his missing companion.
