Quality Quokkas the Newest Residents at Australia Zoo

Three quokka are the newest animals to move in at Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Quokka are also known as the world's happiest animal.

Quokkas are an Australian native. They are a marsupial meaning females have a pouch where they carry their young. Each female may raise as many as seventeen young throughout her lifetime. The species is naturally found in small areas of Western Australia with the most famous population occurring on Rottnest Island.

Australia Zoo have welcomed three quokka in to a habitat within their Roo Heaven area. The new habitat has been designed by the expert team at Australia Zoo to ensure the wellbeing of and promote natural behaviours from the quokka.

The new arrivals come without names with the zoo running an innovate auction to decide on the perfect moniker for their new arrivals. The three highest bidders in an online auction will be given the opportunity to name one quokka while providing funds for Australia Zoo's vital conservation efforts. 

Renowned wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin said, "We couldn't be happier to welcome quokkas into our loving Australia Zoo family, and are looking forward to having guests admire and experience these special animals during their next visit."

The three quokka at Australia Zoo will serve as ambassadors for their species which is currently considered to be vulnerable to extinction. Estimates place their numbers at 7,500-15,000 with threats such as habitat destruction and climate change accelerating their decline. These animals will help spread awareness of their decline and how the species can be protected to guests at the zoo.

"Here at Australia Zoo, we are proud to provide a beautiful home to over 1200 animals in lush habitats that are designed to replicate their natural environment. Through our conservation programs and non profit Wildlife Warriors, we continue our important conservation work to ensure Dad's legacy lives on forever, bringing positive change in the world," said Bindi Irwin. 

To participate in the naming contest go here - Australia Zoo Quokka Naming Auction