The Quokka: Australia’s Cheerful 'Smiling' Marsupial Endemic to Rottnest Island

Native to the coastal regions of Western Australia, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) has won global hearts with its perpetually cheerful expression, often dubbed the "world’s happiest animal." This small marsupial, about the size of a domestic cat, thrives in scrublands and forests, captivating visitors and researchers alike with its friendly demeanor and unique evolutionary traits.