'Emotional Support Alligator' Denied Entry at Phillies Game

A man who brought his “emotional support alligator” to a baseball game in Philadelphia was denied entry in accordance with the venue’s policy, which states that only “service” animals, such as guide dogs, are allowed.

Jon McCann, also known as The Philly Captain, was heading to Citizens Bank Park to cover the game between the Phillies and the Pittsburg Pirates for his YouTube channel on September 27 when he came across the animal, named WallyGator, and its owner, Joie Henney, outside the venue.

Henney told McCann that as Wally was an emotional support alligator, as opposed to a service animal, he was denied entry.

In video he posted on X, McCann can be heard saying to Henney, “I can’t believe I want to say this… can I [pet him]?” before being prompted to rub the reptile’s chin.

WallyGator’s absence did not stop the Phillies from winning 7-6. Credit: YouTube/The Philly Captain via Storyful

Video transcript

- Gators don't attack people for no reason.

- Oh, I don't, but I--

- That's all media hype and all.

- He doesn't really attack me for no reason either, but I'm still scared.

- All right, guys.

- I can't believe I'm going to say this. Can I, can I just?

- Yeah, pet him. He--

- Yeah, he likes his chin rubbed.

- His chin rubbed?

- Yup.

- Yeah.

- He loves his chin-- he does not bite.

- [INAUDIBLE]?

- How do you know that?

- Because I've had him for seven years. He lives in my house. Lay down. Lay down.

- I was going to-- is it OK if I touch his back over here?

- Yeah, you can touch him anywhere. He loves-- just rub.

- Wow. I can't believe I'm touching an alligator.

- Gators don't attack people for no reason.

- Oh, I know. But I--

- That's all media hype and all.

- He doesn't really attack me for no reason either, but I'm still scared.

- All right, guys.

- I can't believe I'm going to say this, can I, can I just?

- Yeah, pet him. He--

- Yeah, he likes his chin rubbed.

- His chin rubbed?

- Yup.

- Yeah.

- He loves his chin-- he does not bite.

- [INAUDIBLE]?

- How do you know that?

- Because I've had him for seven years. He lives in my house. Lay down, lay down.

- I was going to-- is it OK if I touch this back over here?

- Yeah, you can touch him anywhere. He loves-- just rub.

- Wow. I can't believe I'm touching an alligator.