Owner Devastated After Emotional Support Alligator Is Kidnapped And Released Into Swamp

Wally the emotional support alligator is missing, and his owner is asking for help.

Joie Henney took to social media to announce that his beloved Wally, who allegedly inspired the look for Alligator Loki in the Disney+ series and is sometimes also called Wallygator, had been taken from his pen.

"Help is needed!!!! Wally has been stolen 😢 no this is not a joke."

"He was taken from his pen on Sunday the 21st sometime between 4:30 am to 7:00 am while in Brunswick Georgia."

"Walking searches have been being conducted to no avail. If anyone sees or hear anything please contact Joie directly."

"Any help is appreciated. Thank you🙏"

According to York Daily Record,, Henney acquired Wally after a friend rescued him when he was 14 months old. Henney would take Wally to schools and senior homes for both educational purposes and to offer emotional support.

Once Henney realized the impact Wally had on children with developmental issues, he sought "emotional support animal" status for the alligator, and in December of 2018, it was approved.

In a follow-up post, Henney shared he found out that a "jerk who likes to drop alligators off into someone’s yard to terrorize them" had taken Wally, but he was then picked up by a trapper and released into a swamp.

"Once discovered they called DNR [Georgia Department of Natural Resources], DNR then called a trapper. The trapper came and got Wally and dropped him off in a swamp with about 20 other alligators that same day."

He also revealed that Wally will not likely be found, but he and friends will continue to search daily.

"The swamp is very large and the trapper said the chances of them finding Wally is slim to none. But this is Wally…..Joie and friends are currently headed to the swamp to search and will continue daily. We just pray with other alligators present that Wally is ok🙏❤️."

"We are not releasing the location at this time, however if anyone wants to aide in the search please contact Joie directly for more details. Please continue to pray because we need a miracle."

"Thank you all for your love and support."

According to ABC7 Chicago, Henney waited to file a police report because he didn't have the proper permit for Wally during their travels to Georgia.

People on social media expressed their heartbreak over Wally's disappearance.

Many also shared their hope that Wally will be found...

... or that he will thrive in the swamp.

While Henney hasn't publicly released information about the swamp where Wally was released, he has organized search parties and those wanting to help can reach out for more information.

A GoFundMe has also been set up to assist with "travel costs, advising costs and possible legal and veterinary costs."

So far, nearly $13,000 has been raised.