Concerns Mount Over Emotional Support Gator: Troubling Updates Emerge

With each passing day, anxiety heightens regarding the disappearance of Wally, a popular emotional support alligator.

A recent update posted on Wallygator's Facebook page has sparked deep concern among followers regarding Wally's owner, Joie Henney. Other updates share the grim reality of how tough it could be to locate and rescue the gator who's not built for the life of a wild gator.

Henney and the admins on Wallygator's Facebook page have kept fans and followers updated on the missing gator and how the search has been going.

A recently shared update sheds light on a behind-the-scenes situation that could cause Henney more stress if he finds his scaly pal.

"Just got off the phone with Joie, he informed me DNR talked to him today and he was essentially informed that they will not approve the permit he needs to have Wally in Georgia, and he was told if he is able to catch Wally he will be prosecuted," a Facebook post reads.

Many of the page's loyal followers jumped into the comment section to give their thoughts on this unfortunate situation, with many suggesting getting a lawyer.

"At this point, a lawyer needs to be involved. DNR is throwing out baseless claims because they assume this will go away. Also, the person that took Wally needs to be charged. Both the governor of GA and PA need to be involved along with the state attorney General. Start contacting them," one follower wrote.

Another person who was an employee of the state government shared, "I've seen people hire attorneys, appeal state decisions, and win, even cases where people were definitely in violation of state and federal requirements. One thing I've learned in life is that it never hurts to appeal."

Another recent update explained a little more of the situation.

"The homeowner who discovered Wally and called DNR seemed to be a very nice lady. I am going to ask everyone please do NOT try to make her out to be the bad guy. Georgia has alligators many of them, to everyone this was simply another day in Georgia," the Facebook post reads.

"She did nothing wrong, as soon as she heard about Wally she immediately contacted Joie and he confirmed through pictures that it was Wally, but the tracker who was also doing his job had already relocated him."

The post went on to say that the homeowner who called the trapper said the plan was to put Wally somewhere in the Okefenokee swamp, which is 438,000 acres.

"Let me make this clear guys, anyone other than a licensed trapper caught with taking an alligator from here risks jail time and major fines. So while we know everyone wants to do a search and find Wally it’s not legal to do so," the post continued.

"All we want and honestly all anyone wants is for the trapper who was doing his job to give us a location, we would even have zero issues giving him the reward for Wally’s safe return or any other licensed trapper for that matter. We just want information."

A GoFundMe page originally set up in July 2022 is now receiving donations once again.

A new message on the page reads, "We are fundraising for Joie Henney to help with costs related to Wally being stolen. Joie is actively searching for WallyGator who was stolen from his enclosure while on vacation in Georgia. Funds raised will help cover travel costs, advising costs, and possible legal and veterinary costs."

So far, the page has raised $10,830.

One person who donated $50 left the message, "My heart goes out to you and Wally. I am sure he is so scared and just wants to be home safe with kisses and snuggles. Sending much love and praying you two are reunited soon."

Another person who also donated $50 to the cause wrote, "I hope you bring your baby home!! If I could, I would drop everything and come paddle the swamp to look for him!!! Poor little guy!"

About a week ago, Henney announced the sad news that his 8-year-old American alligator, who is a licensed emotional support animal, was stolen from his outdoor pen while visiting friends in Brunswick, GA.

Henney told The Blast exclusively that when he got back to his friend's house after fishing early in the morning, Wally was there. He then went in the house to sleep for a bit, and when he went back outside around 8 a.m., Wally was gone.

"We checked to see if he might have escaped somewhere, but there was nowhere he could have escaped," Henney said.

Henney later found out that someone had taken Wally and dropped him into a random person's yard as a joke, which led to a trapper being called. The trapper allegedly relocated Wally to a swamp full of gators, making it nearly impossible for him to be easily found.

Wally travels around Pennsylvania often to visit with fans. He recently went to Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg, PA to greet people.

A fan who met Wally at the store shared the experience on Wally's Facebook post.

"Yesterday was a great day! Met Wally at Bass Pro Shop, and now we want to learn more about his mission. He made my kids smile; thank you for that!" they wrote.

Everywhere Wally goes, he steals hearts and gives hugs. Henney is often greeted with social media comments asking them to visit certain places so they can meet Wally in person.

"It is my dream to hold Wally someday soon. He's so sweet and unique, thanks for sharing him with the world!" one Facebook follower wrote in the comments of a photo.

A TikTok follower shared, "I’ve held him a few times now haha the first time I saw him I was shook."