Here’s Why You Should Consider Adopting A Quokka As Your Next Pet

If you’ve seen photos of a little smiley furry critter on Instagram or other websites, then it’s probably the cutest animal on Earth: the Quokka! These cute animals are going viral on the internet and for the cutest reason – they’re the best photo-bombers ever and the best face you’ll get in a selfie. People are going nuts over this small marsupial. But should you get one as a pet? Here are some details about this species, and of course, their best photos ever.

Let’s see if they’re better than cats and dogs.

A Hopping Critter in the Kitchen

Some wildlife lovers believe that cats and dogs should definitely be replaced with sugar gliders – that would run up and down your curtains and quokkas that would hop in the kitchen, looking for some salad. However, are the quokkas fit for being a pet? Let’s check out more about them.

We had no idea they can do this thing from #12!

The Grin That Melted the Internet

The quokka took the internet by storm with their adorable smile. Why do they have that grin? If you search #quokkaselfie on Instagram, you’ll have a blast for at least one hour of infinite cuteness.

What’s very funny about these animals is that they’re almost the size of a cat and like the company of humans. If you sit down on the grass, these critters would come to steal a kiss and take a selfie with you!

The Best Gardener

These smiling creatures would happily help you in the yard, picking up leaves and eating them. However, you’d have to do that word during the night, because these small marsupials are nocturnal. They’re the small cousins of kangaroos and wallabies, and would happily live in the brush for the day. Later, the quokkas would emerge outside to search for food.

Check out how these animals were first discovered.

Rottnest Island

These mammals live on Rottnest Island, and were first found by Willem de Vlamingh, a Dutch sea captain who described them as being “a kind of rat as big as a cat.” And, considering we’re all squeamish when it comes to huge rats, the seaman named the island filled with these creatures Ratte nest (“rat’s nest”), and then sailed away towards another land with less huge rats.

What do these critters eat?

A Day in Quokka’s Life

When these remarkable creatures don’t spend time in front of the cameras being more famous than any Instagrammer, they like to chill during the day and rest in dense vegetation, away from the hot sun. They munch on grass, leaves, roots, and seeds. However, judging by the many #quokkaselfies, these guys like to take time and interact with people.

Here’s how to spell the name of this adorable marsupial…

Quokkas – kwo-ka, kwah-ka

Quokkas don’t care about it, anyway. But for your information, dictionaries have two options: kwo-ka and kwah-ka. Anyway, call them as you wish, it doesn’t really matter. Have you seen how happy they are in each photo? It’s not like they’d get mad if you mistake the pronunciation, right? There’s an expert that has more info on the level of quokkas’ rage.

We’ll give you a hint: they’re pretty mellow…

Rottnest Population

The Rottnest island inhabits a population of 10,000-12,000 quokkas, the largest number in the world. It might sound like they’re a lot of these critters, but they’re actually a “vulnerable” species. So, if you plan on booking a trip there to check out the happiest animals in the world, remember to respect them and their habitat.

Check out this man’s story about a cheeky female quokka – we’re dying over here!

Having a Blast

A female quokka named Imelda was looking to have some fun, so she did this amazing thing. Matt Hayward, a conservationist from Bangor University, was tracking this female at night. Then, he heard something behind him: “I heard footsteps approaching.”

He turned off his tracking equipment and looked behind. The footsteps ceased, making the man’s skin crawl with terror… Then, the bush moves!

Why, Hello There!

The man’s stalker was none other than Imelda! And with that adorable and inquisitive look on her face, how could Hayward be mad at the animal he thought HE’d track, and not the other way around?

Do you wanna see quokkas in action? Go to Thompson Bay around dust and your heart will completely melt. However, you should know that you’re not allowed to touch them. Wait, what – why??

The Cutest Boxer on Earth

This is the cutest boxer on the planet – it has tiny fists that would protect you from any danger. Guard Quokkas would be excellent! Imagine them punching their enemies with that smile on their face!

Now really, what’s with the smile? Do they really grin like that or is that how they’re… “built”?

A Cheeky Grin

Quokkas have a cute grin that appears to be stuck there forever and for a good reason: it’s hot! Their evolutionary feature helps them pant so they could cool off. The furry animals on the hot island get sunlight 12 months a year, so the cheese for the camera comes with its perk.

And guess what’s cuter than a quokka!

Baby Quokka!

These critters come with storage for babies, and just when you thought there’s no way that this is getting any cuter – BAM! BABY QUOKKA! And another awesome thing about these animals is that they can live up to 10 years! It’s like having a huge hamster that will live more than three years! And that can look excellent in all photos and all poses – like this heart-breaker over here…

Protect the Quokkas

The Australian government had to put the quokkas under protection, so they placed strict legislation. Unfortunately, this means that it’s illegal to own such a critter. Even touching, feeding or catching one would end up with a large fine.

But don’t despair. If your biggest dream is to have one as a pet, you could have one only if you do this thing emntioned at #4.

Wild Animals

No matter how cute they are, the quokkas are wild animals and should be left alone, to live life in their natural habitat and with those of their kind. Don’t worry about them being too cute to survive! They might have teddy-bear ears and beady eyes, but they’re ready to fight to survive – they have sharp claws and can bite.

Just ask the Rottnest Island infirmary, which treats dozens of people bitten by feisty quokkas. And they’re usually peaceful!

Peaceful Critters

Quokkas are less fighter and more lovers. Males won’t fight for females, food or water. They would share the space with any other critters, but would also use their claws when they really want a cool spot in the shade. These guys would fight others for a nap – they’re our spirit animal!

“An Accident of Evolution”

According to cognitive science researcher Clive Wynne (Arizona State University), the quokka’s Mona Lisa smile is “an accident of evolution.” And for a good reason! They’re spoiled and protected in Australia, while also famous on Instagram as they chill on an island.

A Wildlife Advanced License

There is a way you could keep a Quokka as a pet. You cannot take one out of Australia and keep it as a pet, but the next best thing is to keep one privately in Victoria. You will have to pay a fee each year for a Wildlife Advanced License. But you must also take good care of it – provide your quokka a life similar to the one in the wild.

It’s A Tough Task

Taking care of a wild animal comes with a lot of tough chores. The law has stringent conditions on how you get the animal, how you keep it, what you feed it and how you provide the habitat.

Also, the Australian Wildlife Protection Council president Maryland Wilson, explains why owning a quokka is wrong…

Nocturnal Animals

Quokkas are nocturnal animals, so if you want to spend time with them, you’d have to do it at night. If you cannot do that, you’d have to provide your quokka some playmates – so you’d end up caring for two, three… and many more – if they mate!

“People want to play with them by day and they interfere with their natural basic instincts and behaviour patterns. They should be free from cruelty and exploitation,” concluded Maryland Wilson.

Can You Look After This Animal?

Usually, before getting a pet, you should ask yourself: can I look after that animal? You should do that before applying for a license, and bear in mind that negligence, ignorance, or mistreating a quokka will come with a huge fine and even prison years!
You can also virtually adopt one that will continue to live on that island.