Wally Gator isn’t your average emotional support animal. The nearly six-foot-long alligator has spent years bringing comfort to people across Pennsylvania, splashing around in fountains, visiting nursing homes, and even meeting public officials. But in a bizarre and heartbreaking turn of events, Wally has gone missing in Georgia, leaving his owner, Joie Henney, and thousands of fans desperate to find him.
A Shocking Disappearance
Henney, who has been caring for Wally since he was 18 months old, was visiting friends in Brunswick, Georgia, when disaster struck. In the early hours of April 21, Wally was stolen from his pen. According to a post on the Wallygator Facebook page, the thief allegedly had a habit of dumping alligators into people’s yards to frighten them.
Once authorities were alerted, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) called in a trapper. But instead of returning Wally to his owner, the trapper released him into a swamp filled with at least 20 other alligators. The Facebook post described the situation as dire:
“The swamp is very large, and the trapper said the chances of finding Wally are slim to none. But this is Wally … Joie and friends are currently headed to the swamp to search and will continue daily.”
A Viral Sensation and Emotional Companion
Wally isn’t just any gator—he’s a social media star with over 145,000 followers on TikTok, 35,000 on Instagram, and 10,000 on Facebook. His fame even landed him a role as the visual reference for Alligator Loki in the Disney+ show Loki.
But more importantly, Wally is a certified emotional support animal, a rare designation for a reptile. Henney credits Wally with helping him through the loss of multiple family members and his own battle with prostate cancer.
“He means as much to me as my children,” Henney once said.
Unlike most alligators, Wally is known for his affectionate nature. He loves chin rubs, enjoys giving hugs, and—remarkably—has never bitten anyone.
The Legal Battle Over Wally
The situation has been complicated by state laws. In Pennsylvania, it’s legal to own an alligator as long as it isn’t released into the wild. But Georgia has stricter rules—only licensed individuals can keep them in captivity.
Henney has been warned that if he attempts to capture Wally, he could face prosecution. A spokesperson for the Georgia DNR stated that the trapper’s handling of the alligator was “appropriate and routine” but did not confirm whether the gator in question was Wally or disclose his current location.
A Community Fighting for Wally’s Return
Wally’s disappearance has sparked a wave of support from his fans. A dedicated Facebook group is discussing ways to assist in the search, including calling the governor’s office, distributing flyers, and even enlisting the help of TV’s Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has collected over $10,000 to cover travel, legal, and veterinary expenses. Henney has also offered a no-questions-asked reward for Wally’s safe return.
With each passing day, the urgency grows. Henney and his supporters are tirelessly searching the swamp, hoping for a miracle. As the Wallygator Facebook page pleads, “Pray because we need a miracle.”
Will Wally find his way back home? Only time will tell.
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