When we think of animals that are always smiling, a few particular species come to mind. Animals like dolphins, dogs, and monkeys are known for their expressive faces that often appear to be smiling. But there is one animal that takes smiling to the next level – the quokka!
What is a quokka?
The quokka is a small marsupial that is native to a few isolated islands off the coast of Western Australia. These islands include Rottnest Island, Bald Island, and Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Quokkas are herbivores and typically eat grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They are similar in size to domestic cats, weighing 5-11 pounds as adults. Their bodies are covered in thick, brown fur to help regulate temperature. The most distinguishing feature of quokkas is their face.
Quokka Faces
Quokkas have short snouts and round, teddy bear-like faces. Their eyes are small and beady, and their ears are rounded. They have little mouths that curl upward, making them look like they are perpetually smiling. This smile is not just a random occurrence but is actually part of the anatomical structure of their face!
| Facial Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Small and beady |
| Nose | Short snout |
| Mouth | Naturally upturned into a smile |
As you can see, the upturned mouth is built into the quokka’s facial structure, making their smile a permanent feature.
Why Do Quokkas Smile?
Quokkas have evolved this perpetual smile for a few reasons:
Communication
Quokkas live in social groups, so the smiling face helps them communicate positive emotions and intentions to each other. The smile signals they are friendly companions, not foes. This helps maintain stable group dynamics.
Finding Mates
The smile also plays a role in courtship displays during mating season. Both male and female quokkas will flaunt their smiling faces to attract potential mates within their colony.
Warning Signal
While the quokka smile projects a happy demeanor, it can also serve as a warning. If threatened, quokkas will bare their teeth while still maintaining their smile. This shows they are ready to defend themselves if necessary.
Camouflage
When quokkas forage for vegetation, the upward turned mouth blends in with the curvature of leaves and shrubs around them. This helps keep them hidden from predators.
Do Quokkas Ever Stop Smiling?
For the most part, quokkas maintain their cheerful grins continuously. However, there are a few occasions where you may catch a quokka without a smile:
- Feeding – When actively eating, the mouth and jaw movements may temporarily make them appear less smiley.
- Grooming – Quokkas are diligent groomers and may relax their smile while licking and cleaning their fur.
- Sleeping – In deep sleep, their faces are more relaxed with less of an upturned grin.
- Stress – Under extreme duress or anxiety, they may stop smiling briefly.
But as soon as they are done with these activities, the smile inevitably returns. The quokka’s cheerful disposition always comes back!
Quokka Smile Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the iconic quokka smile:
- Quokkas can smile for hours without tiring facial muscles thanks to specialized sinuses in their cheeks.
- Adult quokkas have 32-40 teeth which contribute to their beaming grin.
- A quokka’s smile takes up a large portion of its face, extending near the eyes.
- Mother quokkas often mimic their babies’ smiles to help form strong connections.
- There are no other animals that maintain a perpetual smile like the quokka.
- The quokka smile cannot accurately indicate the animal’s mood since it is fixed.
- Quokkas flash the most exaggerated smiles when foraging for food.
- In rare cases, severe injury or deformity can prevent a quokka from smiling normally.
- On Rottnest Island, smiling quokkas are a top attraction for selfies with tourists.
- Scientists believe quokkas have smiled since their earliest evolutionary origins.
Conclusion
The quokka is truly one of the most upbeat, cheerful animals on the planet. This marsupial has evolved a permanent smile that gives it a friendly, approachable demeanor unlike any other species. While the grin serves important functions, it also adds to the quokka’s endearing character that delights people across the world. So the next time you need a pick-me-up, just think of the perpetually smiling quokka!