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Sept. 29 (UPI) — An Unusual Turn of Events: Emotional Support Alligator Denied Access to Phillies Game
In an unexpected twist, a Pennsylvania man found himself unable to attend the highly anticipated game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Why? Stadium security turned away his emotional support animal: a fully grown alligator named Wally.
Joie Henney, a former hunting and fishing TV host, who has made appearances on networks such as ESPN Outdoors, has been the proud owner of Wally the alligator for the past seven years. Recognizing the reptile’s unusually gentle demeanor and its positive impact on his mental health during his chemotherapy treatments, Henney took the necessary steps to have Wally licensed as an emotional support animal.
Surpassing expectations, Wally’s ventures to schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities caught the attention of none other than the Phillies themselves. They extended a kind invitation to Henney, urging him to bring Wally to meet the team and their partners before the big game on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, Henney and Wally arrived at the stadium a little too late. The players were already on the field, warming up. Determined not to miss out on the excitement, they decided to purchase tickets and thought it would be permissible for Wally to accompany them, considering his prior attendance at baseball games. However, their assumptions were swiftly shattered.
“So we bought tickets and Wally has been into other baseball games, so we assumed that it was OK,” Henney shared with CNN. “We never asked or checked with it, but they only allow service animals, such as dogs and horses, into the stadium, not ESA animals.”
Despite the disappointment, Henney expressed understanding towards the decision of stadium security at Citizens Bank Park.
“When they came and told us, there was no disagreement, there was no arguing, there was no conflict at all. It was all good,” he acknowledged. “They’ve got their rules and we’ve got to go by their rules. I can’t go there and make my rules.”
According to the guidelines set by Citizens Bank Park: “Certified service dogs or service dogs in training for guests with special needs are welcome. All other animals are prohibited.”
Henney, however, remains hopeful and has expressed his desire to arrange another meet-up with the team members in the future.
As an exotic pet owner and a longstanding reptile rescuer, Henney attests to Wally’s incredibly docile temperament.
“Wally has been quite different than any alligator I’ve ever dealt with in the past 30 years,” he admitted. “He doesn’t show anger. He doesn’t show aggression. He hasn’t since the day he was caught. We never could understand why.”
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