A Pennsylvanian gentleman, whose emotional well-being was significantly bolstered by an alligator named Wally over the course of nearly a decade, is now on a quest to find his beloved reptile. Joie Henney, renowned for his extensive social media presence dedicated to Wally, the cold-blooded creature he affectionately refers to as his emotional support companion, is grappling with the disappearance of his 5 1/2-foot (1.7 meter) friend during a recent vacation to the coastal region of Georgia.
Henney’s online platforms, teeming with thousands of followers, showcase Wally’s endearing interactions with people, portraying the alligator being petted akin to a dog or embraced like a cherished teddy bear. Wally’s fame reached its zenith last year when he was denied entry to a Philadelphia Phillies game, further cementing his status as a social media sensation.
However, Henney’s jubilation has turned to anguish as he contends with Wally’s sudden absence, which he suspects may be the result of foul play. While vacationing in Brunswick, Georgia, Henney believes Wally was snatched from the fenced enclosure where he spent the night on April 21st.
In a series of emotional social media posts, Henney implored the public for assistance in locating his beloved companion, expressing his profound distress over the situation.
“We need all the help we can get to bring my baby back,” Henney pleaded in a tearful video shared on TikTok. “Please, we need your help.”
Henney, unable to provide further comment when contacted by The Associated Press, had previously shared with The Philadelphia Inquirer that he acquired Wally in 2015 after the alligator was rescued in Florida at the tender age of 14 months. According to Henney, Wally played a pivotal role in alleviating his depression following the tragic loss of several close friends. Endorsed by a medical professional as his emotional support animal, Wally was esteemed for his gentle demeanor.
While no formal police reports have been filed regarding Wally’s disappearance in Brunswick and its surrounding Glynn County, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources acknowledged a report of a nuisance alligator on the day Wally went missing. A licensed trapper was dispatched to apprehend the animal, which was subsequently released into a remote area. However, authorities remain uncertain if the captured alligator was indeed Wally.
Owning alligators without proper licensure is illegal in Georgia, and the state’s Department of Natural Resources does not issue permits for pet alligators. Conversely, Pennsylvania lacks legislation prohibiting alligator ownership, although releasing them into the wild is unlawful.
David Mixon, a wildlife biologist, and coastal supervisor for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, cautioned against underestimating the potential danger posed by seemingly docile alligators. Despite their calm appearance, alligators can be unpredictable and reactive to stimuli, necessitating caution when handling them.
In states where alligator ownership is permitted, such as Florida, it is conceivable for these reptiles to serve as emotional support animals. Lori Kogan, a psychologist and professor at Colorado State University, noted that emotional support animals, unlike service animals, do not undergo specialized training. Instead, they provide comfort to individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions, often with the endorsement of healthcare professionals.
“People can get very attached to a variety of animals,” Kogan remarked. “Can you get attached to a reptile? Can it bring you comfort? I would say yes. Me personally? No.”
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