Joseph Henney from Pennsylvania, a man with a lifelong affinity for animals, might be the least surprised person that he owns an alligator. Growing up surrounded by creatures ranging from cattle to coyotes, snakes, and hogs, perhaps an alligator companion seems almost natural for Henney. However, Wally, Henney’s alligator, is far from an ordinary pet; he’s a certified emotional support animal. Wally gained internet fame after a video showing him and Henney strolling through Philadelphia’s Love Park went viral, sparking a wave of news stories and public fascination.
The tale of how Joseph and Wally became an inseparable duo is truly remarkable. About five years prior, Joseph was navigating a period of deep depression and loneliness following the loss of several close friends and family members. During this challenging time, a friend and fellow animal rescuer from Florida introduced a baby alligator, a mere 20 inches long, into Joseph’s life. This small reptile, soon named Wally, unexpectedly became Joseph’s new companion and emotional anchor.
“I experienced the loss of three family members and four lifelong friends within just two weeks. It led me into a significant depression,” Joseph recounted. Initially resistant to antidepressant medication suggested by his doctor, Joseph sought an alternative path to healing. A month later, during a follow-up appointment, his doctor observed a marked improvement in his demeanor. When asked about his progress, Joseph simply replied, “I’m spending time with my alligator.”
Joseph shared anecdotes of playing hide-and-seek with Wally and described how Wally would playfully interact with him, often tugging at his blanket or playfully stealing his pillow. He explained to his doctor that Wally exhibited behaviors uncharacteristic of alligators. “He’s constantly by my side, always demanding my attention, and bringing laughter into my life. We’ve noticed he has an ability to sense people’s emotions and tries to offer comfort. He’s become quite famous for giving hugs. People travel from across the globe just to receive a hug from Wally.”
To Joseph’s astonishment, his doctor readily supported his request to register Wally as an emotional support animal – a designation requiring annual renewal, particularly considering Wally’s current size of 5.5 feet in length. “I remember saying, ‘Doc, you’ve truly lost your mind.'” Yet, surprisingly, there have been no complications in this extraordinary arrangement thus far.
Before Wally entered his life, animals were already central to Joseph’s livelihood. He fondly recalled his bull-riding days in his late teens and early twenties, which took him across North America to events like the Calgary Stampede in Canada and the Houston rodeo in Texas. “I’ve been around bulls since I was about 11 years old. I even competed in professional rodeos when I was younger. My son was born in Houston.”
In addition to his construction work building houses and furniture, Joseph also contributed to wildlife sanctuaries. Over time, he began fostering animals in his home, providing temporary care until permanent arrangements could be made with sanctuaries, parks, or zoos. While most might think of fostering cats or dogs, Joseph’s foster “pets” included reptiles such as iguanas, rattlesnakes, cobras, komodo dragons, and alligators – all within the confines of his living room.
However, Joseph emphasizes that Wally is different. He is not just any alligator. “He doesn’t bite,” Joseph stated. “He absolutely refuses to bite anything living. We’re still unsure why.” It remains ambiguous whether “we” refers to Joseph and other people or perhaps even Wally himself in some anthropomorphic sense.
Initially, Joseph mentioned that acquaintances expressed skepticism and hesitation about his decision to keep an alligator as a pet. Some even tried to dissuade him entirely, suggesting it was merely a “midlife crisis.” Nonetheless, opinions within Joseph’s social circle rapidly shifted. Joseph now regularly introduces Wally to students in schools and children at camps, using these interactions as opportunities to educate about reptiles. Joseph’s close friend, Mary Johnson, even nominated Wally for the title of America’s Favorite Pet. He hopes Wally will win.
Regardless of the competition’s outcome, Joseph is enthusiastic about future adventures with Wally. While acknowledging that alligators may not be ideal travel companions for air travel, unlike many other emotional support animals, Joseph is optimistic about exploring other modes of transportation. “We are willing to travel. I mean, there are ships, there are trains. We can drive. We can do it all,” he concluded, highlighting the unique bond and possibilities he shares with Wally.
