PHILADELPHIA (KNX) — It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s…an alligator in LOVE Park?
Viral social media posts from the fountains at the Center City Philadelphia monument on Friday showed a Pennsylvania gator that has a history of bringing calm & joy to humans.
Pictures and video show Wally the emotional support alligator on a leash walking in the fountains, and being well-behaved around curious strangers.
There was even a picture of a man holding and cuddling Wally like a child, and the alligator was being snuggly back.
Wally belongs to a young girl who was at LOVE Park, but it reportedly has a powerful backstory.
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According to Harrisburg Magazine, Wally was rescued from a Florida lagoon in 2015, and Joie Henney adopted the gator.
Henney, who battles depression, used affection, hugs and kisses to help bring calm to the out-of-its-element reptile.
Wally has spent time at malls, senior centers, even in parades. Henney said that Wally’s favorite movie is “The Lion King.” But another cartoon character, Marvel's Alligator Loki, was based off Wally.
Apparently, Wally is in a contest to become America’s favorite pet. A few people in LOVE Park on Friday might just affirm that idea.
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