Everything You Need to Know about the 'Happiest Animal in the World'
Labeled "the happiest animal in the world," the quokka is known to approach tourists to Western Australia, giving rise to a deluge of #quokka and #quokkaselfie pictures on social media.
The largest population of these friendly little creatures inhabits Rottnest Island, which is located off the coast of Western Australia near Perth.
Smaller colonies of quokka can be found on Bald Island near Albany in Western Australia and at the nature reserve at Two Peoples Bay.
The furry marsupial is related to some of Australia's other native species -- namely kangaroos and wallabies -- but averages a slight 6.7 pounds.
The quokka's diet consists primarily of leaves, stems, bark and grass.
Quokkas do not face any predators on Rottnest, so they are not afraid to approach humans.
However, touching or feeding a quokka is illegal and can result in an A$2000 fine, so limit your interaction with a quokka to a photo.
The easiest way to reach Rottnest and visit a quokka is by ferry -- transfers to the island run from Perth City (90 minutes), Fremantle (25 minutes) and Hillarys Boat Harbour in northern Perth (45 minutes).