A Pennsylvania resident, who credits an alligator named Wally with helping alleviate his depression, has reported that the reptile went missing during a family vacation on the Georgia coast. According to a report from The Independent, Wally, known as an “emotional support alligator,” was released into a swamp.
Wally has gained popularity as an emotional support animal and has active social media accounts with a substantial following.
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In a recent social media update, Wally’s owner, Joie Henney, disclosed that his pet reptile was taken over a week ago. Since then, Henney has been using Wally’s Facebook page to provide updates on the alligator’s disappearance. Sharing a photo of Wally, Henney disclosed that the reptile was stolen from its enclosure on April 21 during the early hours of the morning.
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He posted, “Urgent assistance needed! Wally has been stolen… this is not a prank. He was taken from his enclosure on Sunday the 21st between 4:30 am and 7:00 am while in Brunswick Georgia. Despite extensive searches, he has not been found. If anyone has any information, please contact me directly. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
In a subsequent Facebook update, Henney explained that Wally was taken by individuals playing a prank, who then abandoned the alligator outside someone’s home, prompting a call to authorities. He went on to say that as a result, Wally was captured and released into the wild by a trapper.
Henney stated, “To clarify the situation, Wally was taken by someone who thought it amusing to deposit alligators in people’s yards to cause distress. Upon discovery, authorities were notified and a trapper was called. The trapper retrieved Wally and released him into a swamp alongside approximately 20 other alligators on the same day. The swamp is vast, and the trapper indicated that locating Wally would be extremely difficult. However, we remain hopeful. Joie and his friends are currently conducting daily searches in the area. Although we’re not disclosing the exact location, individuals willing to assist in the search are encouraged to contact Joie directly for further information. Your continued prayers and support are deeply appreciated.”
Henney also expressed gratitude in a detailed message to the public for their support during this challenging time.
As per The Independent, as of Wednesday, efforts to locate the alligator have been fruitless.
