Philadelphia Phillies: Emotional support alligator Wally has been banned from the baseball stadium, but the owner is still hoping for a happy ending

CNN
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A baseball fan and emotional support alligator named Wally were banned from entering a Major League Baseball Stadium for a meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies players on Wednesday, although he remains hopeful that a meeting will be possible in the future.

Joie Henney and Wally attempt to enter the Philadelphia Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park on the day of their home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Heaney explained to CNN Sport that Whaley was on the field after being invited to meet with Phillies players and their partners before Wednesday’s game against the Pirates.

However, since they arrived late at the stadium, the players had already gone out to warm up which meant Wally couldn’t spend time with them.

“So we bought tickets and Wally had been to other baseball games, so we assumed it was OK,” Henne said. “We never asked or checked, but they only allow service animals, like dogs and horses, into the stadium, not ESA animals.

“Wally is an emotional support animal, not a service animal. People criticized me because they didn’t know the story behind everything…but when they came and told us, there was no argument, there was no argument, there was no conflict at all. It was all good.” ”

Heaney added: “They have their rules and we have to follow their rules. I can’t go there and make my own rules.”

According to Citizens Park Bank Guidelines: “Certified service dogs or service dogs are welcome to train guests with special needs. All other animals are prohibited.”

Despite Wednesday’s disappointment, Henne is optimistic that he and Whaley will be able to get back to meeting Phillies players before the start of the MLB playoffs.

When contacted by CNN for comment, the Phillies pointed to the team’s policy on service animals.

Wally is Henny’s emotional support animal and has blossomed into an internet sensation, amassing a large following on social media, due to his easy-going nature and willingness to get along with everyone.

Wally can be seen exchanging hugs at schools, police stations and hospitals, with Henny leading him by his belt.

Heaney told CNN Last year he acquired Wally six years ago. Heney, a longtime reptile rescuer who has worked with alligators for 30 years, was contacted by a friend who works in Florida.

“There was a great abundance of alligators in that area,” Heaney said.

He explained that in Florida, so-called “nuisance alligators” must either be euthanized or transferred to captivity.

A walleye was removed from a lake in Florida, Heney said. His friend brought the baby alligator, which was only 20 inches long and a little over a year old, to Pennsylvania.

“Wally was completely different from any alligator I’ve handled in the last 30 years,” Heaney said. “He doesn’t show anger. He doesn’t show aggression. And he hasn’t since the day he was arrested. We’ve never been able to understand why.”

“He’s just adorable. He sleeps with me, steals my pillows, steals my blanket. He’s adorable.”

He said Wally’s easy-going personality prompted Heaney to license the alligator as an emotional support animal. The crocodile provided him with comfort as he underwent radiation treatment for cancer.

CNN’s Zoe Sottile and Sarah Smart contributed to this report.