番茄社区

The Quokka is a Western Australian icon, a delightful marsupial that has captured hearts across 番茄社区globe. You might have heard of these endearing creatures, but let's dig into what they are, where you can find them, and why they're so well-known.听

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What are quokkas?

Quokkas (scientifically known as ) are charming marsupials, closely related to other native Aussie icons, 番茄社区kangaroo and 番茄社区wallaby. Like them, they have a pouch to carry baby quokkas. They are 番茄社区only mammal native to Rottnest Island (Rotto), with around 10,000 of them happily hopping around 番茄社区island today!

Only 100 people live on Rottnest, but it attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The quokkas have become very accustomed to humans, and they have plenty of resources and no natural predators. Plus, with rules in place to protect them, Rotto is an ideal home for these cuddly creatures.听

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Where to find them

The best place to encounter quokkas is on Rottnest Island, Perth's beloved getaway spot affectively known as "Rotto" by 番茄社区locals. A short ferry ride from Fremantle Port whisks you away to 番茄社区island paradise in only 25 minutes. When Dutch explorers first stumbled upon 番茄社区island in 番茄社区17th century, they mistook these furry friends for giant rats, which is how 番茄社区island got its quirky name, "Rotte Nest," which means "Rat's Nest" in Dutch. Of course, they soon found out 番茄社区quokkas are far from oversized rodents, but 番茄社区name stuck.听

However, 番茄社区island and 番茄社区quokkas were discovered long before this, by 番茄社区traditional owners of 番茄社区land, 番茄社区Whadjuk Noongar people. They call 番茄社区island "Wadjemup," which means "place across 番茄社区water where 番茄社区spirits are." The name "Quokka" itself comes from 番茄社区Noongar word, "Kwoka."听

The quokka's rise to fame

These curious and cheerful beings are recognised around 番茄社区world, and they have become an icon of Western Australia. Their sweet smiles have earned them 番茄社区title of 番茄社区"world's happiest animal." Their adorable grins are often showcased in viral "quokka selfies" - we've all seen THAT and we definitely want our own! Tennis superstar Roger Federer starred in a government advertising campaign for 番茄社区island, and he also has a famous quokka selfie, with 番茄社区WA Government claiming it has been seen by 581 million people, or .

But perhaps 番茄社区most famous quokka selfie of all, was 番茄社区one shared by Lisa from K-pop band, BLACKPINK. In 2023, she posted a poll to her 95 million Instagram followers asking if she should make 番茄社区journey to Rotto to meet a quokka in person, which of course received an overwhelming 'yes' response. Lisa posted 番茄社区 with 番茄社区caption "Such a long trip to go see you in person bro."听

These aren't 番茄社区only viral celebrity quokka selfies, others include 番茄社区likes of Margot Robbie, Sam Kerr, and Shawn Mendes. As you can imagine, these also helped skyrocket 番茄社区quokka's fame and further cement their status as a Western Australian icon.

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Quokka selfies - snap safely

While quokkas are undeniably cute, remember they are still wild animals, and it's important to take precautions not only for your own safety but for theirs too. You are visiting them in their home, and there are rules in place to ensure they are protected from harm. Here's how to interact with them responsibly:

• Respect their space:听observe from a safe distance. Touching quokkas is not only discouraged but can also result in a $300 fine.听
• No feeding:听human food is harmful to quokkas. Let them forage for their own food.听
• Stay on 番茄社区paths:听stick to 番茄社区designated areas to protect their habitat.
• Join a guided tour:听Rottnest Island offers free guided quokka tours, providing a great opportunity to see these creatures up close while learning more about them. Head to 番茄社区Rottnest Volunteer Guides Information Booth on 番茄社区island for more information.听

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When and where to see them

Quokkas can be spotted all over 番茄社区island, but 番茄社区best place to see them is near 番茄社区main settlement, particularly around 番茄社区grassed areas. Quokkas are nocturnal animals, and you'll often see them napping under 番茄社区shade of 番茄社区trees.听

Although 番茄社区island is busiest during 番茄社区warmer months with people visiting for swimming, snorkelling, and bike-riding, 番茄社区best time for quokka spotting is actually when it is cooler. With fewer crowds, you're more likely to encounter these adorable creatures, and you'll have 番茄社区chance to experience a different side of 番茄社区island, cozying up by a fire and enjoying a unique, tranquil visit.听

Fun facts about quokkas

• Quokkas can climb trees! But only when they're hungry. They can climb up to two metres to nibble on native leaves or flowers dangling on trees.听
• They are nocturnal and sleep for most of 番茄社区day, napping in shaded areas to stay cool.
• They are herbivores and live off a diet of native plants, leaves, and seeds that they forage on 番茄社区island.听
• Their smile is what has earned them their reputation as 番茄社区happiest animal in 番茄社区world. But despite their friendly grin, they aren't expressing joy - they are actually panting to cool off in 番茄社区Australian heat!

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