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).
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.
They have been described as the "world's happiest animal" and a photo of a Quokka snapping a selfie has proven why. Around the size of a cat, with the tail of a rat, the nocturnal marsupials can only be found on Australia's Rottnest Island and a handful of smaller islands around the coast of Western Australia.
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.
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!
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.
Why do quokkas look so happy? No one quite knows the exact reason their facial expression seems to resemble a smile. One theory is that it helps them keep cool.
While there's no formal research on the topic, the happiest-animal-in-the-world title most often goes to the crazy-cute wallaby known as the quokka.
The Quokka occurs on two offshore islands (Rottnest Island and Bald Island) and a number of mainland sites in south-west Western Australia (WA), ranging from just south of Perth to the Hunter River (Maxwell et al.
The quokka is a marsupial from the same family as kangaroos and wallabies, but is the only member of the genus Setonix, known locally as the Kangaroo Rat. It is about the size of a cat, growing up to 54cm in length and weighing 2.7kg to 4.2kg.
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.
The Water-rat is one of Australia's largest rodents and is usually found near permanent bodies of fresh or brackish water. The Water-rat is one of Australia's only two amphibious mammals (the platypus is the other). They live in burrows alongside river and lake banks.
A Quokka is a small, short-tailed wallaby with a cute face, round ears, and impressive tree-climbing ability. Quokkas are native to Western Australia, and are known for their cheeky little grins. It seems as if Quokkas are always smiling no matter what, and hence they are known as 'The Happiest Animals in the World.
1. Blue Whale. The Blue whale is the largest animal of all time, reaching a weight of about 198 US tons (180 tonnes) and a length of 98 ft (30 m). Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant and their hearts as much as a car, yet they survive by eating a diet rich in tiny plankton.
Whales are creatures that symbolize freedom since they have no natural predators in their environment (except for humans); they are also creatures who can move freely in broad areas. Since they move and can be seen swimming around the world's vast waters, they are not tied to a particular location.
It's our feline friends that are the cutest pets of them all, according to science. With cats coming out as the animals with the most adorable faces, followed by ferrets, rabbits and hamsters.
Overview. That quokka may be cute, but does it want a hug? 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!
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.
Though quokkas are generally gentle and sweet, remember they're still a wild animal – they have sharp claws and teeth they will use against you if they feel threatened!
The quokka has little fear of humans and it is common for it to approach humans closely, particularly on Rottnest Island which is seen with the “Quokka selfie” viral internet sensation. It is, however, illegal for members of the public to handle the animals in any way on Rottnest Island.
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.