While you might not recognize the name, we guarantee you would have seen images of these gorgeous little Quokkas doing the rounds on social media recently. Their defining characteristics include their cheeky smiles, their outgoing personalities and their unparalleled selfie game.
Quokkas are a native Australian animal, residing primarily on small islands such as Rottnest Island and Bald Island. They look quite similar to miniature kangaroos and for a good reason – they’re related. The quokka is a herbivorous, nocturnal animal (though you’d never be able to tell from the amount of activity they seem to get up to during the day!)
The quokka is classed as a ‘vulnerable’ animal in terms of its conservation status, but that doesn’t stop them from socialising with visitors every chance they get.
This is how the selfie craze started. These pictures are unlike any other as their beautiful and bright smiles alone make for an amazing picture.
It’s important to keep in mind however that these little guys still need to be protected. Many tourists forget just how incredibly fragile their habitat actually is. This is why it’s illegal to feed or handle them and doing so could land you a fine of up to $300.
So for now, here’s a few pictures to brighten up your day and get you by until you can meet one for yourself.
Quokka sleeping – Quokkas love to sleep and this one certainly looks like he’s enjoying it.
Quokka eating – This quokka looks fully content chowing down on his favourite snack – leaves!
Quokka selfie – These adorable selfies are part of the reason Quokkas have gained worldwide recognition for their devilishly good looks.
Quokka asking for food – While it is illegal to feed them, we will admit – this quokka would certainly be hard to resist.
Quokka showing off her baby – This quokka is proud to show off her little baby to some visitors.
Quokka being social – This quokka clearly loves the attention it’s getting from the visitors.
Quokka crashing a wedding- This nosy quokka snuck up on some pleasantly surprised guests of Rottnest Island.
Quokka smiling- Quokkas are notorious for their gorgeous smiles that make them appear as though they are the happiest little creatures in the world.
Quokka joey – This baby quokka thought it would pop out to say hello to the visitors. So cute!
Quokka on the beach – There are an abundance of quokkas found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. This means that they’ve got both the bush and the beach right in their backyards.
Quokka jumping – On the move. Quokkas get around by using their powerful little legs to jump and tail to balance.
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And here’s a couple more just because they’re so adorable and enjoyable to look at…
