Update On Stolen Emotional Support Gator Unveils Grim Reality
A week after beloved emotional support alligator, Wallygator was stolen from his pen while visiting friends in Georgia, his owner Joie Henney shared an alarming update.
Henney recently shared the news that Wally was gator-napped last Sunday, and just a day after asking for help from the public, he has an update about the gator's possible whereabouts.
Joie Henney Shared A Grim Update About Wallygator
A Facebook post shared on Sunday morning, a week after Wally was taken from his pen while visiting friends in Georgia, tells a disturbing story about Wally's whereabouts.
"Wally was stolen by some jerk who likes to drop alligators off into someone’s yard to terrorize them. Once discovered they called DNR, DNR then called a trapper. The trapper came and got Wally and dropped him off in a swamp with about 20 other alligators that same day," Henney wrote.
"The swamp is very large and the trapper said the chances of them finding Wally is slim to none."
The Facebook post went on to say that Henney and some friends are headed to that swamp and will continue to search daily. And while they are not releasing the location of the swamp at this time, they are asking anyone who wants to help in the search to contact Henney for more details.
"Please continue to pray because we need a miracle," the Facebook post concludes. "Thank you all for your love and support."
Wally's Fans Are Worried For His Safety
After seeing the update shared on Sunday morning, tons of Wally's loyal fans and followers took to the comments to share their concerns.
"Oh nooo, people are terrible! What in the world, my poor buddy is probably so freaking scared!" one person shared in the comments.
Another person wrote, "That’s a special kind of evil to do that to an alligator that has only ever known quality care and has never known the wild! I hope he is found safely I’m so sorry that some could be so heartless!!"
One other person said, "This is unbelievable. I don’t have any words as to how or why this could have happened."
And another fan of Wally's shared, "This is so heartbreaking!! This guy needs to be charged, no doubt about that!! Wally is a special gator and so loved by so many!! Hopefully, he will hear Joie's voice and come up!! Praying that the journey to the location is easygoing and no bad vibes!!! Wally, we love you, buddy, you did not deserve this!!"
Another Update Was Shared Sunday Evening On Facebook That Gives Hope!
As The Blast was writing about the Sunday morning update, another update was shared on Facebook. This one gives hope that Wally could be found and returned to Henney.
"A positive update is that Paul Benard from Gatorboys has offered his help in finding Wally and we are very grateful. We have been unsuccessful as of yet getting even an approximate location where Wally was released by the trapper, Paul has left a message so we are hoping to hear something soon," the update reads.
"All we know is that it was private property, not the swamp area we were originally told. I know everyone wants to help and I wish I could tell you how you can but we are currently in a waiting game."
The update also asks that Wally's fans help to make this information "viral" to hopefully better the chances of finding him.
Joie Henney Shared His Plea For Help In Finding Wally On TikTok On Saturday
In addition to sharing that Wally was taken on Facebook, Henney also took to TikTok to tell the story of his pet gator being taken.
"Between 4:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., someone came in and stole Wally. He is missing. He was taken out of his enclosure while visiting friends in Georgia," Henney said. "We need all the help we can get to bring my baby back."
Henney showed the pond enclosure where Wally was taken and explained that they know he's nearby and "supposed to be in somebody's house."
Many followers shared their positive thoughts and prayers for Henney and Wally in the comment section of the video.
Wally Is Known For Spreading Joy Wherever He Visits!
The 8-year-old American alligator, adopted by reptile enthusiast Henney in 2016, is a licensed emotional support animal. Henney often shares photos and videos of Wally meeting his fans.
Wally's Facebook and TikTok pages collectively have more than 100,000 followers smiling at the kind and gentle alligator's adventures.
In November, Henney shared a video of Wally tailgating with Philadelphia Eagles fans. Wally had hugs for everyone!
"So I guess he is a professional 'tailgator'," one person jokingly wrote. Another said, "One of these days my dream will come true and I’ll get to hold Wally."
