The Quokka

Look how cute the quokka is!
Photo: Pinterest 

The quokka (pronounced "kwaa-ka") is one of the cutest little animals. In fact, they are known as the "happiest animal on earth" because of it's cute little smile. Quokkas are very rare and are only found on an island called Rottnest, west of Australia. These animals are a protected species in Australia and cannot be kept as pets or taken out of the country. In fact, it is even illegal to pet them!

Quokkas are marsupials, and carry their babies in pouches. Quokkas give birth to one baby at a time called a joey. Quokkas are good climbers and swimmers, but spend most of their time on land. They are herbivores and eat leaves, shrubs, grasses and plants, and they love munching on swamp peppermint. After they swallow their food, the bring it back up and chew it a second time, likely to help them get more nutrients from the leaves. Quokkas are social animals and like to live in groups. 

Cool Fact: When in danger, quokkas are known to throw their babies out of their pouches as a way to distract the threat or predator.