On Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia, a peculiar marsupial has captivated the hearts of Instagram users worldwide—and supported a booming tourism economy. The quokka, a close cousin of the kangaroo, rocketed to internet fame when tourists began taking selfies with the animal, which is unafraid of humans and appears to smile for pictures.

“They are like living teddy bears,” filmmaker David Freid, who made a short documentary about the mammals and the attendant social media sensation, told The Atlantic. “When you see one, it's a bonafide heartmelter.” Read more: https://www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...

"Happy Animals" was directed by David Freid (https://davidfreid.com). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.

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