In an unexpected turn of events, Wally Gator, a certified emotional support alligator, has gone missing during a visit to Brunswick, Georgia. Wally, who is owned by reptile rescuer Joie Henney from Pennsylvania, disappeared from his outdoor pen on April 21, according to updates on the Wallygator Facebook page.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed that a permitted trapper responded to a nuisance alligator call in Brunswick on the same day. The trapper reportedly captured the creature, which was later released in a remote location. However, it remains unclear whether the alligator released by the department was indeed Wally, as no additional information about Wally's whereabouts has been provided.

Efforts to locate the missing alligator have been launched, with Henney organizing a GoFundMe campaign titled "Bring WallyGator Home!!" The campaign aims to raise $30,000 to cover potential expenses related to travel, advice, and potential legal and veterinary costs. At the time of writing, the campaign has already reached nearly a third of its goal.

Wally Gator, who has gained public attention in the past, is known for his gentle nature and friendly interactions with fans at events in his home state. He has also gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where videos and pictures of him being petted and held are shared.

Henney, who has cared for Wally since the alligator was just over a year old and 20 inches long, acquired him from Florida, where alligators are considered nuisances and often euthanized or put in captivity due to their overabundance. Despite criticism from some individuals, Henney has emphasized the companionship and support Wally provides, especially during Henney's radiation treatments for cancer.

While Pennsylvania does not have laws barring alligators as pets, Georgia strictly regulates the possession of alligators, allowing only licensed or permitted individuals to keep them in captivity. Native wildlife generally cannot be held without the necessary permits or licenses, and such licenses are not issued for the purpose of keeping native wildlife as pets.

Wally Gator's popularity faced a setback last year when he was denied entry to a Philadelphia Phillies game. The ballpark's policy permits only service animals, excluding emotional support animals like Wally. Similarly, in 2020, the US Department of Transportation announced that airlines were no longer required to recognize emotional support animals as service animals, further highlighting the distinction between the two.

As the search for Wally Gator continues, supporters and fans hope for a safe return for the beloved emotional support alligator.