Pennsylvania Man Pushes Back After Walmart Bans His Emotional Support Alligator
WEST BROWNSVILLE, Pa. — A Western Pennsylvania man is speaking out after Walmart banned his emotional support alligator from its stores, ending a routine he says had become part of everyday life.
Walmart Draws the Line
For 60-year-old Wesley Silva of West Brownsville, bringing his 4-year-old alligator, Jinseioshi, into Walmart had become normal. The reptile, whom Silva describes as calm and affectionate, accompanied him to restaurants and even became a local star at diners like Bob Evans and Denny’s.
But Walmart put a stop to it after receiving customer complaints, telling Silva he could no longer bring the gator inside.
Owner Defends His Alligator
“I didn’t think I would actually own an alligator, ever,” Silva told WPXI. “It’s been really kind of incredible. We’ve gone to restaurants, and she gets VIP treatment. I was really taken aback by Walmart’s decision, but I’ll just go with the flow.”
Silva emphasized that Jinseioshi had always been well-behaved in public and had never caused issues at other establishments.
Pennsylvania’s Emotional Support Gator Trend
Jinseioshi isn’t the first alligator in Pennsylvania to draw attention. Another emotional support gator named Wally made headlines in 2023 after attending Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers games. But Wally’s story ended in heartbreak when he was stolen from his enclosure in 2024 and released into the wild, where wildlife officials fear he may not have survived.
Silva says he hopes Jinseioshi won’t meet the same fate and insists his unusual companion has provided him meaningful emotional support.
The ban has sparked debate over where businesses should draw the line when it comes to unusual service or support animals. Do you think Walmart made the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
