WHY IS THE QUOKKA IS THE HAPPIEST ANIMAL IN THE WORLD?
Early in 2015, a cute little Australian took the internet by storm. Quokka, its name, and smile- was her ticket to fame! Quokka come from the same family as the kangaroo (called Macropodidae) and are often referred to as the happiest animal in the world because of their cute cheeky grins
Where are quokka found?
Quokkas are native to West Australia and are found mainly on Rottnest Island and Bald Island. Because of habitat destruction due to all that we label as “development”, quokkas are now considered vulnerable to extinction. They also face threats from foxes, cats and wildfires.
Despite their “vulnerable” status, this cute animal isn’t scared of humans. There was a selfie frenzy a few years ago featuring quokkas. And they happily obliged the tourists.
Conservationists have since issued guidelines- hugging and feeding quokkas is a punishable offense. This is because what we tourists may commonly tale to be a safe food for these critters may lead to teeth/ gum infections or premature death in them.
Here’s hoping that with the conservation efforts of sanctuaries and tourists, the quokkas keep smiling
1. The expression “a cute little Australian took the internet by storm” means…………..
A. a storm of quokkas hit Australia
B. Australia hit by a natural disaster because of Quokkas
C. Quokkas caused an internet interruption
D. Quokkas gaining huge popularity and fame very rapidly in the Internet
2. Why is the quokkas considered to be the happiest animal in the world?
A. Because of their cute cheeky grins
B. Because quokkas come from the same family as the kangaroo
C. Because quokkas are now considered vulnerable to extinction
D. Because quokkas are now being taken care of with conservation efforts
3. Where are quokkas mainly found?
A. Everywhere in Australia B. In the East of Australia
C. On Rottnest Island and Bald Island D. Everywhere in the world
4. Why are quokkas now considered vulnerable to extinction?
A. Because of habitat destruction and threats from foxes, cats and wildfires
B. Because of the dramatic increase in the number of tourists visiting Australia.
C. Because of the natural disasters such as storms.
D. Because of the act of hugging and feeding quokkas by tourists.
