Crikey! It’s a Quokka!

January 12, 2011 · by CarlyB · in cute, mammal, quokka, rare

image credit: photowa.com.au

image credit: redbubble.com

image credit: perthzoo.wa.gov.au

image credit: australiablog.com

image credit: Lee_Json 

image credit: Lee_Json 

image credit: Gochoun
Habitat: smaller islands off the coast of Western Australia
Status: Vulnerable

This may look like a plump, friendly kangaroo that didn’t eat its vegetables when it was little so its growth was stunted… but you’d be wrong. No my friends, this is actually a Quokka.

Quokkas are funny little creatures that are about the size of a domestic cat. Much like other marsupials, the Quokka is herbivorous and nocturnal but it does have the ability to climb shrubs and trees – unlike the kangaroo. Hah. Sucks to be a kangaroo, am I right?!?!

You can only find these dumpy animals on a couple of small islands off the coast of Western Australia, namely on Rottnest Island and Bald Island. They’re not afraid of humans at all and will come right up to you on Rottnest Island. Although, there is a $300 fine if you handle the animals in any way. So maybe skip the hugs and just go for a nice photo instead. I know… rough stuff.

Oh and watch this video for some extreme cuteness:

7 comments on “Crikey! It’s a Quokka!”

1. Daughter Earth on January 13, 2011 at 6:07 am said:

   These are in my obscure mammal book too. I still have to send you one! I spent some time on Rottenest island and got to see some in the wild.They were so cute!

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2. CarlyB on January 13, 2011 at 6:21 am said:

   aww I really want to see this book! haha

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3. springjoy on January 13, 2011 at 5:54 pm said:

   so cute!

   Reply ↓
4. Jeannette on December 4, 2011 at 7:58 pm said:

   I saw these on Rottnest Islnd during a trip to Perth WA. They were so cute, I got lots of photos and yes, they do come right up to you to have a good look!

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5. Piedoll on February 7, 2012 at 10:29 am said:

   Daughter Earth, I would like to know the title of your obscure mammals book so I can get a copy! Thanks!

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