ANIMALS

Meet Wally the Alligator, Who Provides Comfort to Owner Facing Cancer and Depression

We usually consider small and cuddly animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits as our beloved pets. However, did you know that even wild and potentially risky animals like alligators can become dear friends and be just as affectionate as these more typical pets? In the upcoming story, you’ll find a touching tale that demonstrates exactly that.

A man caught attention recently when he shared his unexpected choice of an emotional support animal – an alligator named Wally, his constant companion. Despite the surprised looks and criticism, he’s committed to explaining what makes Wally special and the remarkably positive impact he has had on his life.

Image source: Joie Henney

Wally’s story started when he was found as a baby alligator in a pond at Disney World, Florida. Even though many people thought letting him go back into the wild was the best choice, it’s not legal in Florida. The only options were to keep him or put him down.

Fortunately, Joie Henney, an experienced rescuer of reptiles and alligator expert, chose to adopt Wally in 2015. In Pennsylvania, his home state, individuals can own alligators and other exotic animals as long as they have the proper permits and licenses.

Image source: Joie Henney

Usually, alligators tend to bite defensively, especially when someone gets too close or touches them. But Wally is different from the norm. According to Henney, Wally is not a threat and stands as a rare exception to the typical aggressive behavior of alligators. He has never tried to bite anyone, not even when Henney playfully puts his hand in Wally’s mouth to rub his tongue. This unusual behavior has experts puzzled, making Wally quite unique.

“He doesn’t show anger. He doesn’t show aggression. He hasn’t since the day he was caught. We never could understand why,” Henney said. “He’s just loveable. He sleeps with me, steals my pillows, steals my blankets. He’s just awesome.” However, Henney advises against expecting the same friendly behavior from most alligators.

Image source: Joie Henney

In 2019, Henney got a license officially recognizing Wally as an emotional support animal. Surprisingly, Wally has been really important in supporting Henney through his cancer radiation treatments and boosting his mood when he feels down. Although Henney had been prescribed anti-depressants, he chose to count on the comforting presence of Wally instead.

Image source: Joie Henney

Being an emotional support animal, Wally can go almost everywhere with Henney. However, certain restaurants have said no because of concerns about spreading salmonella. In a notable event in September 2023, they were not allowed into Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Phillies play.

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Wildlife experts and animal welfare groups suggest stronger laws to stop people from keeping wild animals, like alligators, as pets. This is because owners sometimes abandon them when they become too difficult to handle. However, Henney doesn’t promote alligators as good pets. Instead, he brings Wally to schools and senior centers for educational visits, emphasizing responsible ownership of exotic pets. He hopes that Wally’s story encourages kindness and brings smiles, which are much-needed positive aspects in today’s world.

Image source: Joie Henney

Ultimately, we can conclude that pets always play important roles in our lives, whether they provide emotional support or simply bring happiness through the memories we make together.

ANIMALS

Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons

The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.

More info: Youtube

ANIMALS

These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects

Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.

For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.

With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.

1. Zebra longwing

This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.