Wally the emotional support alligator went to see the Phillies. Then he went viral

 Joie Henney of Strinestown keeps a 4-foot-6-inch alligator named Wally, a proclaimed emotional support animal. Joie brings Wally to schools and senior centers to entertain and comfort children and the elderly. Wally was rescued from Florida in September 2016 by one of Joie’s friends, who eventually passed on the possession of Wally to Joie. Initially, Joie was relatively scared to get too close to Wally, he told the York Daily Record he fed Wally with tongs in the beginning. However, within a month the gator was gentle and happy with his new owner. This led to him taking Wally to schools and senior homes to educate people. Wally’s presence was soon appreciated significantly by children with developmental issues, resulting in Joie seeking “emotional support status” for Wally.

This article caught my eye due to the rarity of this situation, and I have an interest in animals. The idea that such a notoriously recognized violent animal could be used to comfort people of all ages is very fascinating to me. Personally, I am very jealous of those who have gotten the opportunity to meet Wally the emotional support alligator, and would love to eventually have that opportunity. However, I am very concerned about the violent tendencies Wally still might have in his genetics, because he is an alligator after all. I am under the impression that Wally is domesticated, but I can’t help but think of the possibility that Wally might turn violent one day resulting in a serious life-threatening injury. I have this belief due to the Charla Nash case, where Charla was attacked by her friend's pet chimpanzee resulting in the loss of her hands and face. This example is certainly not a common occurrence by any means, but it does show that even domesticated animals can be a possible danger at any moment.

Published by Marisa Potts, December 1st, 2023

Originally written, 11:01 AM ET on September 29th, 2023, by Rachel Treisman

https://www.npr.org/2023/09/29/1202615294/wally-emotional-support-alligator-phillies-game