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Meet the Quokka. Miniature marsupial, tourist attraction and the happiest animal on the planet. Unique to Rottnest Island 20km’s from the coast of Perth in Western Australia, and in a few small areas of the West Australian, these cute little critters have featured in more selfies than the Kardashians – no pouting necessary, just an adorable smile!

So what is a Quokka?

They are small marsupials, the size of a cat, who are related to kangaroos and wallabies. This means they are macropods and carry their joey around in pouch. Sounds cute, right!

Quokkas are the only mammal native to Rottnest Island and are known as the world’s happiest animal because of their smile. The ‘smile’ is actually an evolutionary feature that helps them to pant and cool off. They also often smile when they eat and look up.

Quokkas are adorable, friendly and curious animals. They sit on their hind legs to observe their surroundings and use their front paws to search for and pick up food. They are very friendly and their only predators are snakes – so they don’t have a fear of people.

Rottnest Island supports the largest known Quokka population in the world and is essential for the survival of species. Approximately 12,000 Quokkas live there and can usually be found sleeping or eating.

Award-winning animal photographer Alex Cearns OAM has been photographing Quokka’s extensively for the past 12 months and has just released a selection of images in her latest book -‘The Quokka’s Guide to Happiness’ (Harper Collins / ABC Books.) It’s a gorgeous compilation which showcases the quirky, joyful nature of Quokkas, the happiest animals on the planet and is sure to bring a cheeky little grin to anyone’s face.

Quokka’s teach us many things:

* To smile more and to find gratitude and contentment in the little things.

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* To be in the moment and to take pause.

* To sit in nature.

* Napping is OK

Alex hopes the book brings people joy, brightens their day, spreads happiness and shows the world how fabulous these iconic Australian animals are. This book is just what we need right now!

‘The Quokkas Guide to Happiness is out now in Australia and will hit overseas stores early in 2021.

Amazon.au https://www.amazon.com.au/Quokkas-Guide-Happiness-Alex-Cearns/dp/0733341098/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+quokkas+guide+to+happiness&qid=1606980336&sr=8-1

Website http://www.houndstoothstudio.com.au/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HoundstoothStudio

More info: bit.ly

Hullo!

Happy Face

Nom Nom

Lunch Time

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Best Prize

All the better to hear you with my dear!

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Sweetheart!

Bub and Mum

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Joy

Playing the ‘flute’

Cheeky Quokka Joey

Nap Time

Snacks

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Boo

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Baby on board!

Rain, hail or shine – still eating!

The cutest creatures

Nose Kisses

Tree Climber

Quokka joey

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