(These guys really do live up to their title.)
Hello again for another animal. This one is the ‘World’s Happiest Animals’ because they always seem to be smiling. They aren’t afraid of people either, so there’s a trend to get a selfie with them. Of course, they live in Australia, so you can’t do it that easily unless you’re a local. What are they?
The Quokka
Now, this is a type of wallaby, which means they’re a marsupial. They are considered vulnerable for the following reasons:
- Loss of habitat
- Mostly the introduction of dogs, cats, and foxes to their habit. These aren’t their normal predators, so these animals have weakened their populations. Foxes are apparently the biggest issue for them.
Here’s a site with more info. QUOKKA!
Since they’re a type of wallaby, they’re a subspecies themselves. So I won’t have different types. Means more pictures of them in general. Enjoy. (All images found in Google Image Searc.)
And let’s not forget some videoes. The second one is very informative.
Legends of Windemere 
It seems almost unfair that an animal this relentlessly cheerful-looking should have to contend with habitat loss, foxes, dogs, cats, and humans constantly wanting selfies. Quokkas really do look as though they know something the rest of us don’t. Great photos!
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The foxes are probably the most egregious part to me. Dogs and cats were pets, but the foxes were brought over by Europeans for sport hunting. So, an animal was brought over to be killed for fun and it’s part of the reason a local animal is considered vulnerable. The quokka are protected now, which is good.
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It’s amazing and unnerving how many disasters have been caused by introducing species into places they were not intended to live.
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Technically, humans themselves are invasive species. So it really proves your point. 😁
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I’d never heard of a quokka, and I have to say they are pretty darn cute up close. They don’t seem to be aggressive, either. I’m glad tourism is helping their plight.
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They’re very curious and not aggressive. Though that could be a big problem too.
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They look pretty happy.
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Not a care in the world.
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So cute, Charles.
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Agreed.
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They are so adorable!
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Very much so.
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Adorable!
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I wonder if they’re truly that happy.
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