Meet the Quokka, a southwestern Australia marsupial native that is so adorable and clearly is exceedingly friendly. Not to mention, the incredibly characteristic smile on its little face that will melt anyone’s heart.
Campbell Jones was cycling at Rottnest Island, WA, when he fortuitously captured the perfect moment as this cheery quokka leaped into the air towards him – arms wide open seemingly for a hug.
The photo has since gone viral, leading to more Instagram posts of people with the photogenic creatures – firing up the hashtag #quokkaselfie.
These little nocturnal mammals are often popularized as the “Happiest animal on the planet” and found almost everywhere on the Rottnest Island. They are known to hang out in a mob, munch on greens, store fats in their tails, dig tunnels through vegetation for hiding and napping. They hop around and have the same distinguishing feature of a pouch for their young – like their closest relative, kangaroos. Being inquisitive and fearless, the quokkas have adapted to human presence and will get pretty close to the visitors either out of curiosity or for food.
However, do take note that the quokkas are protected by law and visitors who deliberately disturbs or feeds them will be fined A$150 on the spot according to Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987 and potentially fined up to A$10,000 under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.
If there is anything we can learn from these sweet quokkas, it would be:
Don’t forget to be happy, to smile, because you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.
Here are some other #quokkaselfie. Burst your hearts with cuteness overload!
