Wally, affectionately known as WallyGator, the emotional support alligator famed for his comforting presence and heartwarming interactions, has been missing for over a week. The disappearance occurred on April 21 while Wally and his owner, Joie Henney, were visiting friends in Brunswick, Georgia.

Wally’s Heartwarming Journey

At 8 years old, Wally has become a beloved figure, providing emotional support to individuals in nursing homes and even bringing joy to attendees at baseball games. Henney, Wally’s devoted owner and handler, adopted the four-foot-long gator when he was just over a year old. Over the years, Wally has captured the hearts of many with his affectionate nature, enjoying walks, cuddles, and even participating in supervised swimming sessions.

Mysterious Disappearance

Henney, devastated by Wally’s sudden disappearance, believes his beloved alligator was stolen while he was fishing during their vacation in Georgia. Despite securing Wally in an enclosure, he alleges that someone took advantage of the opportunity to abscond with his pet between the early hours of 4:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Expressing his distress in a tearful TikTok video, Henney emphasizes the urgency of finding Wally, as the alligator would likely struggle to survive in the wild on his own.

Community Response and Concern

The online community, deeply moved by Wally’s disappearance, has rallied behind Henney in his search efforts. Suspecting foul play, Henney initially organized a search party, fearing that individuals opposed to keeping Wally in captivity might have orchestrated his disappearance. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when a Georgia Department of Natural Resources official informed Henney that someone had stolen Wally to release him to terrorize a resident.

Outpouring of Support

The news of Wally’s disappearance has elicited a range of emotions from online supporters, from anger towards the perpetrators to compassion for Henney and his beloved alligator. Expressions of sympathy and solidarity have flooded social media platforms, with individuals expressing their prayers and hope for Wally’s safe return.

Community Efforts to Aid in the Search

In a testament to Wally’s impact and the widespread concern for his well-being, fans have come together to support the search efforts. A fundraising page dedicated to finding the missing alligator has garnered significant traction, with over $4,000 raised by 166 generous donors as of Monday. The collective efforts of the online community reflect the profound impact that Wally has had on the lives of many, underscoring the determination to reunite him with his devoted owner, Joie Henney.