In the mid-2010s, quokkas earned a reputation on the internet as "the world's happiest animals" and symbols of positivity, as frontal photos of their faces make them appear to be smiling (they do not, in fact "smile" in the human sense; this can be attributed to their natural facial structures).
The quokka, a small marsupial native to Australia, is one such example of a species vulnerable to extinction in the country's harsh surroundings. Known as the “happiest animal in the world” due to its cute and friendly appearance, these creatures are now only found in a few isolated forests and small islands.
1. Quokkas. The quokka, a pint-sized marsupial native to the islands off the coast of Australia and distantly related to kangaroos and wallabies, is nearly always smiling.
Quokkas don't, of course, smile. They just look like they do.
Though they're known as the happiest animal on earth, their “smiles” are mainly due to the shape of their mouths, and they open them and stick their tongues out to keep cool! But, given their friendly nature, it's more than fair to convince ourselves they are in fact smiling at us.
It's called the world's happiest animal for a reason. It'd be hard to tell if a quokka was angry at you. The fluffy marsupial's often dubbed "the world's happiest animal" thanks to its cheerful disposition and trust of humans.
Although friendly, they aren't harmless.
Although quokkas are happy to see us and are approachable, it doesn't mean we should pat or cuddle them. They're still wild animals and can bite!
You cannot touch them: While quokkas are friendly, they're still wild animals that can bite and often carry nasty diseases, like salmonella. To help keep them safe, there's also a $300 fine for anyone found trying to touch a quokka.
They are not domesticated and thus do not fare well in captivity. They are highly social animals that need to be in contact with one another, and they have evolved and adapted to thrive in a very specific type of environment. Additionally, the quokka's numbers are already declining.
Quokkas are playful, adorable and known for being cute as a button, which has recently landed them the title of 'world's happiest animal.
The Happiest Animal
The quokka, a close cousin of the kangaroo, rocketed to internet fame when tourists began taking selfies with the animal, which is unafraid of humans and appears to smile for pictures.
Quokkas Are The Happiest Animals On Earth With Their Extremely Infectious Smile (Cute Photos)
The quokka is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species because its population has declined by at least 50 percent over recent decades, and currently hovers around 7,500 to 15,000 mature individuals worldwide.
Quokka. Meet the Aussie animal that's as cute as it is rare. Only found in small numbers in the south-west corner of Western Australia, the quokka looks like a cat-sized kangaroo — but they're more friendly than your average roo, happy to bound up to humans for a selfie (even tennis ace Roger Federer posed for one!).
Quokkas, famous for posing in selfies, are native to Rottnest Island where about 10,000 live a sheltered life free from predators or traffic. They are classified as a vulnerable species and have been almost completely wiped out on the mainland.
The quokka says “No!” In Don't Hug The Quokka!, young readers get a lighthearted and friendly introduction to the concept of consent, learning that even the most adorable creatures might not want a hug—unless they say so!
The quokka is now restricted to a number of small scattered populations on the mainland, Rottnest and Bald Island, near Albany. Loss and degradation of its habitat and predation by foxes and feral cats are the causes of the quokka's decline.
Cats and dogs often make meals of the quokka; this is why quokkas are not found in the mainland of Australia where cats and dogs are heavily domesticated by humans. On the Rottnest Island and Perth, some predators include large birds, foxes, and dingoes (Quokka et al., 2006).
Conclusions: Bites from quokkas heal without complications, usually in two to three weeks. Simple first aid and tetanus prophylaxis where appropriate are all that is required. Antibiotics are not indicated.
Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits
These animals live over 10 years in the wild. In captivity they live up to 13.8 years [0671].
Diet: Quokkas are herbivores and eat native grasses and the leaves, stems and bark of a variety of plants. They prefer browsing on new, young growth.
At first glance, quokkas look like rodents. However, they are actually marsupials! Although they are marsupials, they have small hind legs.
Quokkas often live near water sources and do have the ability to swim. However, they rarely do. Marsupials like quokkas are prone to a condition called lumpy jaw disease (LJD).