22/07/2026
This is the quokka, known as the happiest animal in the world.
The quokka is a small marsupial about the size of a cat, part of the same family as kangaroos and wallabies, and it's only found in southwestern Australia, mostly on Rottnest Island.
Their whole "happiest animal" smile thing isn't actually about feelings, it's just the shape of their face and mouth that makes them look like they're always smiling for the camera. The nickname blew up even more once quokka selfies went viral on social media, especially after a few celebrities posted photos with them too.
Even though they seem super chill and friendly enough to walk right up to people, quokkas are still wild animals under protection, so tourists aren't allowed to touch or feed them. Sadly, behind all that cuteness, quokkas are actually classified as vulnerable since their habitat keeps shrinking because of development and predators like foxes and feral cats.
📸: Cruzy Suzy
