What do you picture when you think of an emotional support animal? A dog, a cat, perhaps a duck. How about an alligator? 

U.S. Philadelphia’s Love Park has an unusual visitor, WallyGator, a 7-year-old emotional support animal alligator, which has been astonishing visitors.

Wally’s owner, Joie Henney, is undergoing radiation for prostate cancer, and he said the gator is “a big supporter of people needing smiles”.

“He works with a lot of special needs adults and children. He puts thousands of smiles on people’s faces almost every day. He comforts people when they’re sad.” 

“He sleeps with me, steals my pillows, and steals my blankets. He’s just awesome,” Mr Henney said.

Wally walked on a leash, greeting visitors and wandering by the fountain.

Henney doesn’t know why but the gator has never shown anger or aggression towards anything.

“Wally has been quite different than any alligator I’ve ever dealt with in the past 30 years.”

He further added, “most people are really excited and happy to see him.”

Wally has become a TikTok star with over 72,000 followers, and is in the running to be “America’s Favorite Pet”.