The content discussed an internet-famous alligator named Wally who went missing while his owner, Joie Henney, was visiting friends in Georgia. Henney pleaded for help finding his pet gator and emotional support animal through a tearful video shared on Wally’s TikTok page. Wally was believed to have been stolen from a fenced-in yard in a twisted prank between the early morning hours of 4:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Henney asked for the public’s assistance in locating his beloved pet and bringing him home.
Henney, who referred to himself as “Wally-Gator’s dad,” adopted Wally in 2015 when the gator was rescued in Florida at 14 months old. The alligator had been credited with helping Henney through his battle with depression following the deaths of close friends. Wally was considered an emotional support animal by Henney’s doctor. Described as a gentle giant, Wally had never tried to bite anyone and could sense people’s emotions. Videos and photos on Wally’s social media pages showcased people interacting and cuddling with the unique pet at various events.
The disappearance of Wally left Henney distraught, as he believed that the gator had been stolen by pranksters for their own amusement. Henney claimed that the individuals who took Wally then used him in a prank where they left the gator outside someone’s home. A “nuisance alligator” sighting was reported in the Brunswick area on the same day that Henney reported Wally missing. A licensed trapper caught the gator and released it in a remote location, but it was unclear if it was Wally. Alligators cannot be kept as pets in Georgia, but Pennsylvania, where Henney and Wally lived, did not have laws against alligator ownership.
The unique bond between Henney and Wally was evident as Henney described Wally as a one-of-a-kind alligator. Wally had become an internet sensation with a considerable following on social media due to his gentle demeanor and the way he interacted with people. Henney often brought Wally to meet-and-greets and kids’ birthday parties where the alligator posed for photos with attendees. The loss of Wally was a devastating blow to Henney, who considered the gator as much more than a pet but also as a source of emotional support and companionship.
Despite the setback of Wally’s disappearance, Henney remained hopeful that he would be able to find his beloved gator and bring him back home. The support and assistance of the public were crucial in aiding Henney’s search for Wally. The heartwarming story of Wally and Henney’s bond captivated people around the world, and the collective effort to locate the missing alligator showcased the power of community and compassion in times of need. Henney’s plea for help in finding Wally resonated with many people who joined in the search for the beloved alligator. The story of Wally’s disappearance highlighted the special connection between animals and humans and the lengths one would go to for the well-being of their animal companion.
