Emotional Support Alligator Denied Entry to Phillies Game
In an unusual and captivating turn of events, a Philadelphia Phillies fan recently found himself at the center of a viral story when he attempted to enter Citizens Bank Park with an emotional support alligator named Wally.
This heartwarming yet bizarre incident has sparked discussions and debates about the boundaries of service animals and their role in public spaces.
Emotional Support Alligator Denied Entry to Phillies Game
The surprising encounter took place on a Wednesday night when Joie Henney, a lifelong reptile enthusiast and cancer survivor, tried to bring his unique service animal, Wally the alligator, to watch the Phillies face off against the Pirates.
The attempt raised eyebrows and stirred controversy, shedding light on the often complex issue of emotional support animals and the fine line between what’s acceptable and what isn’t.
Joie Henney’s connection with Wally goes beyond the typical human-pet relationship. Henney, a dedicated reptile rescuer with three decades of experience, received Wally in 2015 from Florida.
This unique partnership began when Wally was just a baby alligator, removed from a lagoon in Florida due to an overabundance of alligators in the area.
In the state of Florida, these “nuisance alligators” must either be euthanized or transferred into captivity. Henney chose the latter, and from that moment on, the bond between him and Wally grew stronger with each passing day.
Unlike the stereotypical image of aggressive alligators, Wally proved to be friendly, sweet-natured, and surprisingly affectionate.
“He doesn’t show anger. He doesn’t show aggression. He hasn’t since the day he was caught. We never could understand why,” Henney shared in an interview with CNN. “He’s just lovable. He sleeps with me, steals my pillows, steals my blankets. He’s just awesome.”
Henney’s story takes a more poignant turn as he reveals that Wally has been his emotional support animal since 2019. The gator has provided much-needed comfort and companionship as Henney has battled depression and undergone radiation treatments for cancer.
Their unique friendship has helped Henney cope with life’s challenges, demonstrating the incredible therapeutic power of animals, even ones as unconventional as alligators.
Despite Wally’s role as Henney’s emotional support animal, he was denied entry to Citizens Bank Park on the day of the Phillies game.
The Phillies’ website clearly states, “Guide dogs, service animals, or service animals in training are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.” Alligators, of course, do not fall into any of these categories, resulting in Wally having to watch the game from home.
The incident drew considerable attention on social media after Howard Eskin, a local sports reporter, posted a picture of Wally in a harness and leash, captioning it “Things I’ve never seen.”
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The photograph quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions from the online community. Some expressed concern about the safety of bringing an alligator into a crowded stadium, while others believed that Wally would pose no harm.
While Wally may not have been allowed to witness the Phillies clinch a nail-biting playoff victory over the Pirates in person, he certainly made an impression outside the stadium.
Fans were treated to the sight of Wally giving out hugs and spreading smiles, creating an unexpected and heartwarming spectacle.