Meet the quokka, the ‘world’s happiest animal’. Take photos, just don’t touch them, please

With their round faces, tiny ears, beady eyes and seemingly permanent smiles, quokkas have earned a reputation as “the happiest animals in the world”. These marsupials, found almost exclusively on Rottnest Island off Australia’s southwest coast, have become an internet sensation. In times of global uncertainty, their irresistibly cute charm provides the perfect viral distraction. Whether in videos or memes, the quokkas – also known as short-tailed kangaroos – have captured the hearts of people around the world with their cheerful expressions. But let us be clear – they do not always smile. Getting that perfect angle requires patience. Still, when the moment is right, their friendly grins are almost impossible to resist. “While quokkas may appear to be smiling, this is actually due to their uniquely structured jaw, which gives them an illusion of smiling,” explains Arvid Hogstrom, director of environment, heritage and park services at the Rottnest Island Authority. Illusion or not, one thing is certain: quokkas are undeniably adorable. Their young, known as joeys, often peek out from their mothers’ pouches, occasionally venturing out to explore the world. On the largely undeveloped Rottnest Island, which has only a small number of visitor lodgings, shops and restaurants, quokkas are the undisputed stars. It is easy to suspect that many visitors make the trip with one main purpose: to see these furry locals up close. Although the island is dotted with signs explaining how to interact responsibly with the animals, many tourists try to snap a “quokka selfie” at any cost. Experts recommend keeping a distance of about two metres (6ft 7in) to protect the animals in the long term. But that is often easier said than done – if people do not approach the quokkas, the quokkas frequently approach them. The marsupials are exceptionally trusting, largely because they have no natural predators on their island home. And it is no surprise they seem so cheerful: Rottnest Island is wild and beautiful, with rocky coves and white sand beaches. Whales can sometimes be seen in the waters offshore as they continue their journey towards Antarctica, while a large seal colony near Cape Vlamingh lounges and splashes in the shallows. Almost all guests explore the island by bike or on foot – only employees of the Rottnest Island Authority and the quokka tourist bus are on four wheels. The bus is emblazoned with a giant quokka – could it be any other way? The animals are roughly the size of a well-fed domestic cat and lead a rather cosy life: they are nocturnal and snooze in the shade during the day. They wake up in the early morning and late afternoon, when they hop all over the island in search of food. Grasses and leaves are on the menu, like with their relatives, the kangaroos or wallabies. Quokkas are sociable animals and usually live in family groups. Their life expectancy is around 10 years. The name is believed to originate from the Noongar language, spoken by the region’s indigenous people, who also refer to the island as Wadjemup. The better-known name, Rottnest, comes from Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh, who landed on the island in December 1696. Mistaking the quokkas for unusually large rats, he named the island “Rotte nest” – meaning “rat’s nest”. According to estimates by the Western Australia tourism authority, around 10,000 to 12,000 quokkas live on the island. “The quokka population varies seasonally, and year to year, due to various natural environmental conditions such as rainfall and heat,” Hogstrom says. Overall, quokkas are considered an endangered species, but as controversial as the selfie boom may be, it does have some positive side effects. “Tourism has contributed to increased awareness that quokkas are a vulnerable species, which has led to greater education about these unique animals,” Hogstrom explains. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daxon the Quokka (@quokkahub) The Rottnest Island Authority is focusing on information rather than deterrence: even on the ferry, visitors are shown a video explaining that quokkas need protection. Signs, brochures and guided tours explain how to encounter the animals without endangering them. Clear rules apply: touching and feeding are taboo. “Feeding quokkas can lead to problems with their digestive system and make them generally unwell,” Hogstrom says. Even leaves from human hands are problematic, as the animals would otherwise forget their natural foraging behaviour. Tourists should not offer water either – quokkas have learned to draw liquid from plants. “Touching quokkas can make them sick, spread disease – and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent,” Hogstrom adds. Anyone who breaks the rules must expect consequences. “Under the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988, any physical interactions with a quokka can lead to an A$200 [US$130] on-the-spot infringement. It may also lead to eviction from the island,” explains Hogstrom. According to the expert, most visitors interact appropriately with the quokkas. The best way to enjoy their company is to observe them from a distance in their natural environment. After all, guests are in the realm of the world’s happiest animals – and it is worth keeping it that way.

Meet the quokka, the ‘world’s happiest animal’. Take photos, just don’t touch them, please

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Famed for their perpetual smiles, quokkas are found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. But if you’re going there for a selfie, follow the rules

Famed for their perpetual smiles, quokkas are found on Australia’s Rottnest Island. But if you’re going there for a selfie, follow the rules