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.
Quokkas have little fear of humans and commonly approach people closely, particularly on Rottnest Island, where they are abundant.
It's easy to see why the Quokka has been dubbed Australia's happiest animal - that gorgeous little smile! These heart melting creatures mainly reside on Rottnest Island, offshore from Perth, Western Australia.
The quokka. Or as Australians call it - the world's happiest animal. While they are considered vulnerable to extinction on the mainland, the small nocturnal marsupials call Rottnest Island in Western Australia home.
Island time
Quokkas have been nicknamed the “happiest animal in the world” – and the name suits them perfectly. To explain the quokka, I would say that they are a cute mix between a “ big mouse” and a kangaroo.
Rats are considered the most loving rodents. They form strong bonds with the humans that look after them and enjoy being cuddled. Gerbils are a close second, though they won't sit still as long as a rat will.
Meet the capybara - the world's largest rodent, which also appears to be the friendliest critter on earth.
Perhaps the smartest rodents, rats can learn tricks, love to hang out with their owners, and are extremely affectionate. They actually respond to their owners when their name is called.
Rats and guinea pigs are mainly tame animals that can also be picked up. Mice, dwarf hamsters and gerbils on the other hands are difficult to manage and therefore less suitable for children. Chinchillas do not like to be handled too much either.
Emblematic of Australia's unique wildlife, the kangaroo is part of the coat of arms, is seen in various logos and is a mascot at international sporting events.
If handled gently, gerbils are unlikely to bite, explains Hoppes. They have few health problems and are the cleanest of all the commonly kept pet rodents.
Gerbils are by far the cleanest rodent pet. They groom themselves regularly and have odorless fur. Because they originate from the desert, they pee rarely, and their poops are dry. If you use good-quality bedding, your gerbilarium will hardly smell at all.
Guinea pigs are considered the sweetest and most social of the pet rodents.
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. Just browse through the fun photos captured in the viral hashtag “#quokkaselfie” to see these adorable critters in action.
1: Chimpanzee
Chimpanzees can learn sign language to communicate with humans. Topping our list of smartest animals is another great ape, the chimpanzee. The impressive intellectual abilities of this animal have long fascinated humans.
CHIMPANZEES. RECKONED to be the most-intelligent animals on the planet, chimps can manipulate the environment and their surroundings to help themselves and their community. They can work out how to use things as tools to get things done faster, and they have outsmarted people many a time.
Mice were long thought to be less intelligent than rats, but recent research is proving this assumption to be incorrect. In fact, studies are indicating that mice have many of the same decision-making abilities as rats.
Rats are better able than mice to make friends with other family pets and these relationships can be really enjoyable to watch. Mice are a bit too fragile for this and are usually seen as a snack - especially for cats! Rats are known to pair particularly well with dogs and cats.
Hamster vs Mouse: Behavior
Hamsters are also very friendly and easygoing, while mice tend to be more shy and curious overall, warming up to their owners in time. While it will depend on the individual rodent, many pet hamsters require more exercise than mice.
Not As Affectionate: While all pets form a bond with their owners over time, Hamsters lack the equivalent intelligence of Rats and therefore tend to be less affectionate and loving. The Verdict: Rats are certainly more high maintenance than Hamsters, but they also have the potential to be a more rewarding pet.