Emotional support alligator attends Philadelphia Flyers game and predictably becomes best friends with Gritty

Unusual Visitor: Alligator Denied Entrance to Phillies Game Attends Flyers Matchup

The Wells Fargo Center had a surprise guest on Monday, an alligator that gained notoriety after being refused entry to a Philadelphia Phillies game last month. This time, however, the alligator was welcomed at the Flyers’ game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Phillies may not have let the emotional support alligator in, but the Flyers did 🤣

(via @flyersgirl38) pic.twitter.com/wYqSUOBlRf

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 30, 2023

The alligator, named Wally Gator, serves as an emotional support animal for Joie Henney from Jonestown, Pennsylvania. Henney revealed in an interview with The Philadelphia Enquirer last year that Wally Gator helps him combat depression and even enjoys giving hugs.

Surprisingly, Wally Gator’s Instagram account provides evidence of this claim. On the account, there are pictures of Wally wearing sunglasses, being walked on a leash, and receiving hugs from children.

Given that it was a Flyers game, it was only a matter of time before Gritty, the team’s mascot, got involved in the excitement. Despite their differences, Gritty and Wally Gator quickly became friends.

During the Halloween game, Gritty appeared on the jumbotron dressed as an astronaut, proudly holding the alligator up in the style of Steve Irwin during the team’s Lion King cam segment.

Someone gave Gritty an alligator. Y’know, just normal hockey stuff pic.twitter.com/vC8mIGVP5k

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) October 30, 2023

The audience, accustomed to parents holding up their children during the “Circle Of Life” segment, had a different experience this time. The sight of Gritty, an orange furry humanoid in astronaut attire, holding a friendly alligator on the big screen created a buzz among those present.

What the fuck is going on pic.twitter.com/ZPFGQQGXoE

— Gators Daily 🐊 (@GatorsDaily) October 30, 2023

After captivating the crowd on the Flyers’ jumbotron, Wally Gator paused to take some photos with his newfound large buddy. Of course, before parting ways, Gritty received one of Wally’s famous hugs.

Headline photo via @GrittyNHL/X