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You might not have heard of the quokka before, but there's a good chance you've seen pictures of these funny animals floating around the internet. They're distinctive because of their cheeky little grins, and it's no surprise that they're often referred to as the happiest wild animals in the world.

Quokkas come from the same family as the kangaroo (called Macropodidae), and they live on a handful of small Australian islands such as Rottnest Island and Bald Island. They can live for up to ten years, and just like other Macropods, these cute animals are herbivorous and mainly nocturnal. Unlike much other wildlife, however, the quokka, which has a "vulnerable" conservation status, isn't very scared of humans.

They don't seem to be scared of pictures either, and there was even a craze a few years ago that saw people taking selfies with Quokkas. It might seem like a fun thing to do, but remember that anybody caught handling or feeding them can be issued with a fine of up to A$300. It's probably best to just leave them alone on their quokka island and enjoy this list compiled by Bored Panda instead. And no, before you ask, you cannot keep Quokkas as pets!

#1

Gimme A Hug

A joyful quokka on a sunny road, arms outstretched, embodying happiness in nature.

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Amanda Panda
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you come home from running an errand, and your pet acts like you've been gone for years!

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    #2

    Smiling Even When Asleep

    A quokka resting peacefully on a bed of leaves, basking in sunlight.

    Lass With a Camera Report

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how i sleep, knowing that I'm single and there ain't no one out there cheating on me.

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    #3

    Smiling To The Camera

    Close-up of a smiling quokka on a sunny day, highlighting why they're known as the happiest animals in the world.

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    #6

    Thank You For My Leaf Human. You May Kiss My Snoot

    Person gently kissing a quokka on the nose, highlighting the animal's friendly demeanor.

    Applelanche Report

    #7

    Wanna Try?

    A cheerful quokka holding a green leaf, showcasing why they are the happiest animals.

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    #8

    Quokkas - Melting Hearts Since Forever

    A cheerful quokka with an open mouth in a sunny, grassy setting.

    daxon Report

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    Hans
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, let's agree on "since evolution decided to bring forward another cute marsupial.

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    #10

    Cute Quokka

    A quokka in a natural setting, holding a leaf, showcasing its cheerful expression.

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you have been hard core dieting for 6 days ... and its your cheat day!

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    #11

    Happy Together

    Quokka with a baby standing on a sunny path, showcasing their happy appearance in the wild.

    ryderpu Report

    #12

    Nom Nom Nom

    Quokka joyfully eating a peach, showcasing their playful nature on a sunny day.

    donuht Report

    #15

    Little Happy Quokka

    Smiling quokka standing on hind legs in a sunlit outdoor setting.

    cathyniu Report

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    JH Robertson
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We kind of look like happy rabbits, except rabbits are cavys and we're marsupials.

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    #16

    Happiest Quokka Selfie

    Smiling quokka with three people in the background, capturing a joyful selfie outdoors.

    teensy88 Report

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    Hans
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only animal that stays happy despite selfie sticks!

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    #17

    Wink

    Smiling quokka with a scenic background, showcasing its cheerful nature.

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    Amanda Panda
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Sup girl ... know what this luscious coat is made out of? Boyfriend material...swipe right"

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    #19

    Those Little Paws

    Close-up of a quokka smiling under a clear blue sky.

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    #21

    An Apple A Day

    Person and a quokka enjoying apples, showcasing happiness and charm of the world's happiest animals.

    jyoung008 Report

    #24

    Just Being Cute

    Smiling quokka standing outdoors, showcasing its joyful expression under a tree.

    Elisa Report

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    Sofia Bellavista
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The ears and the cheeks are the same shape, just different size! Ultra cute symmetry!

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    #26

    The Cutest Fighter In The World

    A cheerful quokka standing on a sandy beach, showcasing its happy expression amidst natural surroundings.

    daxon Report

    #27

    That Smile Could Melt Any Heart

    A smiling quokka on a sunny day in a natural setting with a leafy ground.

    jimmyjessup Report

    #29

    Best Happiness Teacher

    A happy quokka on rocks by the ocean at sunset, showcasing its cheerful expression.

    daxon Report

    #32

    Happy Quokka

    Close-up of a smiling quokka, known as the happiest animal in the world.

    Jin Xiang Report

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    Jay Van Emmenis
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg, they're so cute it's not true, they look so cuddly, I would love to meet a troupe in its own habitat. Just awesome.

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    #34

    Smile For The Camera Quokka

    Quokka standing on hind legs, smiling in its natural habitat, showcasing why they're considered the happiest animals.

    Marc Russo Report

    #35

    Quokkas Band

    Quokkas in their natural habitat, showcasing their happy expressions, with trees and a clear sky in the background.

    Elisa Report

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    Tara Williams
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "yes human, arent we adorable? thats right, keep looking at us.... no one is sneaking behind you to steal your snacks...."

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    #36

    Can't Get Any Cuter

    A quokka on a sunlit road, showcasing their renowned happy expression.

    yuko_025 Report

    #39

    Excited Quokka

    Quokka smiling on a rocky landscape at sunset, showcasing why they are known as the happiest animals.

    daxon Report

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    JH Robertson
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're happy and you know it smile and get excited like a quokka!!!

    #40

    So Pensive

    Quokkas in their natural habitat, sitting on grass and looking content under a tree.

    Elisa Report

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    JH Robertson
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah! Let's sit and just think happy thoughts like only quokkas can do.

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    #41

    Gimme That

    Gimme That

    benzylamine Report

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    #45

    Wooow, What Is That?

    Wooow, What Is That?

    daxon Report

    #47

    Chubby Quokka

    Chubby Quokka

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    #48

    Quokka Snacking

    Quokka Snacking

    Moiz Abbasi Report

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    #50

    Smiling Is All I Do

    Smiling Is All I Do

    Phoenix-91 Report

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    JH Robertson
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Smiling is all I do. The way quokkas smile, that's more than enough.

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    #52

    Adorable Little One

    Adorable Little One

    Emma Wynne Report

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    #54

    Big Smile

    Big Smile

    Edivaine Report

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    #56

    Adorable Little Furry Friend

    Adorable Little Furry Friend

    baggs22 Report

    #57

    One Of The Sweetest Australian Animals

    One Of The Sweetest Australian Animals

    jumping_luemy Report

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    #59

    Smiling Cutie

    Smiling Cutie

    daxon Report

    #60

    This Little Guy

    This Little Guy

    daxon Report

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    #61

    Happy Little Fella

    Happy Little Fella

    megangeorge__ Report

    #62

    This Cute Quokka

    This Cute Quokka

    Sam West Report

    #64

    Definition Of Cuteness

    Definition Of Cuteness

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    #65

    Spreading Happiness With His Cute Little Face

    Spreading Happiness With His Cute Little Face

    The Better Martha Report

    #66

    What’s Cuter Than A Quokka? Perhaps Two Quokkas!

    What’s Cuter Than A Quokka? Perhaps Two Quokkas!

    Max Waugh Report

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    #67

    Messy Eater

    Messy Eater

    simonlkelly Report

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    #68

    Smile

    Smile

    daxon Report

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    #69

    Simply Adorable

    Simply Adorable

    Applelanche Report

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    #70

    Look Up Little Buddy

    Look Up Little Buddy

    meanderwithmeg.com Report

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    #71

    Those Paws

    Those Paws

    daxon Report

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    #72

    Hello Little Fellow

    Hello Little Fellow

    shrimptrader Report

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    #73

    You Can't Hide This Cuteness

    You Can't Hide This Cuteness

    Gochoun Report

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    #74

    Hi There Chubby Cheeks

    Hi There Chubby Cheeks

    rottnestfastferries Report

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    #75

    Cutie Pie

    Cutie Pie

    Sam West Report

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    #76

    This Model Knows Exactly When To Turn On The Charm For The Lens

    This Model Knows Exactly When To Turn On The Charm For The Lens

    BordersofAdv Report

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    #77

    Wanna Boop That Snoot

    Wanna Boop That Snoot

    Per Johansson Report

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    Jason Wedgwood
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We prefer pics only. Human locals will go postal on your a*s and kick you off the island with big fines

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    #78

    Friendly Quokka

    Friendly Quokka

    SJR2912 Report

    #79

    Small Quokka Enjoying A Treat

    Small Quokka Enjoying A Treat

    Oliver Winter Report

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    #80

    You Came To The Right Neighbourhood

    You Came To The Right Neighbourhood

    Lee Johnson Report

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    #81

    The Horizon Must Be Beautiful

    The Horizon Must Be Beautiful

    Hal Report

    #82

    Quokka And His Lightsaber

    Quokka And His Lightsaber

    daxon Report

    #83

    Smiley

    Smiley

    smacfotograffe Report

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    #84

    Baby Quokka

    Baby Quokka

    Martin Capek Report

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    #85

    Almost Too Cute

    Almost Too Cute

    rgatfield Report

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    #86

    Sniff Sniff

    Sniff Sniff

    hewball Report

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    #87

    Lovely Quokka

    Lovely Quokka

    ParrottKaty Report

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    #88

    Cheeky Little One

    Cheeky Little One

    James Offer Report

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    #89

    Happy Face

    Happy Face

    Campbell Jones Report

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