Alligator barred from Philadelphia Phillies game

Wally the emotional support alligator was barred from entry to a Philadelphia Phillies game on Wednesday evening.

Wally is a five-foot gator that was rescued from Orlando, Florida by Phillies fan Joie Henney.

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

Henney and Wally have been close since Henney rescued the gator back in 2015, with the gator even sleeping in Henney’s bed.

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

In a 2020 interview with Beastly, Henney told the publication Wally had helped drag him out of a deep depression which had “dramatically improved”  since finding his reptilian friend.

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

According to an interview with CBS Evening News, Wally is one of the rare gators that doesn’t instinctively bite, “You fool around the head like this (Joe puts his hand in Wally's mouth), their instinct is to grab you [with their teeth] – but he does not do it.”

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

The Phillies have a clear policy when it comes to animals, “Certified service dogs or service dogs in training for guests with special needs are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.”

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

Wally was seen outside the Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park getting a warm welcome from other Phillies fans with fan John McCann showing Wally receiving attention from onlookers as they made their way into the stadium.

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram

Unfortunately for Wally and Joie Henney, it is unlikely they will be able to attend many events together any time soon, with policies around support animals almost unilaterally barring all animals that aren’t dogs.

Image: @thephillycaptain Instagram