the happiest animal on earth
Relatable
Let’s talk about quokkas! These adorable creatures are known to be the happiest mammal on the planet, but let’s be real, it’s probably because they haven’t had to deal with paying taxes yet.
As humans, we’re expected to plaster a smile on our faces 24/7, but sometimes life can be tough and it’s okay not to be okay. We’re just a bunch of friends here to share our crazy adventures, life lessons, and anything else that brings us joy. This page won’t be a boring lecture, more like a spontaneous explosion of happiness that we hope you, future quokka fans, will enjoy.
Random facts
1. Back in 1696, when Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh set foot on an island off Western Australia, he encounted the quokkas and mistaking them as rats due to their size. He named the island “Rotte nest” or “rat’s nest”. Later, the name was anglicized to “Rottnest Island”, and now it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.
2. Quokkas are related to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and koalas. Have you seen them? No wonder quokkas are so cute! It’s no surprise they have become the unofficial mascot of the region.
3. Quokkas might be cute and cuddly, but they’re not exactly the social butterflies of the animal kingdom. They prefer to be alone or in small groups and are most active at night. Startle them, and they might bite you, so be sure to give them their personal space.
4. Quokkas are the ultimate smart workers! They know that if they want some snacks, all they need to do is approach a tourist. No need to hunt for food or work up a sweat. And that’s why there are so many adorable pictures of quokkas online! Go ahead, Google it!
5. Quokkas are herbivores, meaning they primarily eat plants. They have a unique way of digesting their food – they regurgitate their food and then eat it again, much like cows. Quokkas also store fat in their tails, which they can use as a source of energy when food is scarce. This means that they can go for long periods of time without eating – in fact, they may not need to eat again for several months!
6. Quokkas are protective of their young and have been observed defending their joeys from predators. However, in extreme situations where the mother is unable to defend her joey and escape, she may abandon the joey to save her own life. It’s important to always approach and interact with wild animals with caution and respect their space to avoid any potential harm to both the animal and human.
7. Quokkas have a clever trick up their pouches – they can delay their pregnancy and have more than one embryo fertilized at the same time. If the first joey makes it out healthy and happy, the second embryo gets the boot. But if it doesn’t, the second embryo gets the chance to develop into a new little quokka bundle of joy. It’s like they’re playing a game of chance with their pregnancies!
