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The world’s happiest animal is the quokka – an irresistibly cheerful marsupial native to Australia, famous for its perpetual smile and selfie-friendly nature. But behind that grin lies a fascinating creature with unique traits, behaviours, and ecological importance. (Image: Instagram) The name “quokka” comes from the Nyungar Aboriginal language. Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh mistook them for giant rats in 1696, naming Rottnest Island “Rattennest” (Rat’s Nest). (Image: Instagram) Quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) have a naturally upturned mouth and round cheeks, giving them a permanent smile. This expression, combined with their curious and friendly demeanor, has earned them the title of “the world’s happiest animal.” They’ve become social media sensations, especially on Rottnest Island, where tourists flock to snap selfies with these photogenic marsupials. (Image: Instagram) Native to Southwest Western Australia, quokkas thrive in semiarid scrublands, swamps, forests, and grasslands. Their largest populations are found on Rottnest Island and Bald Island, with smaller colonies on the mainland. They are mostly nocturnal, resting during the day and foraging at night. (Image: Instagram) Quokkas are about the size of a domestic cat, measuring 39-54 cm in length and weighing between 2.5-5 kg for males and 1.6-3.5 kg for females. They have brown fur, short tails, and strong hind legs for hopping, like their kangaroo cousins. (Image: Pexels) Quokkas are marsupials, meaning they carry and nurse their young in a pouch. One of their most surprising behaviors is “baby-flinging”; in extreme danger, a mother may eject her joey to distract predators and escape. While shocking, it’s a survival tactic seen in other marsupials too. (Image: Pexels) Quokkas are herbivores, feeding on leaves, grasses, and shrubs. They have a specialized digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from tough vegetation. Interestingly, they can survive long periods without water by drawing moisture from their food. (Image: Pexels) Their main predators include red foxes and domestic cats, especially on the mainland. Quokkas are listed as vulnerable, with habitat loss and introduced predators posing serious threats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their habitats and controlling invasive species. (Image: Pexels) Quokkas became internet-famous thanks to their photogenic smiles and friendly interactions with humans. Tourists on Rottnest Island often take selfies with them, but touching or feeding quokkas is prohibited to protect their health and safety. (Image: Pexels)
