Big tip for taking Quokka selfies on Perth’s Rottnest Island

Quokkas have become famous with Hollywood stars taking selfies — but an Australian wildlife photographer has a tip for tourists.

Quokkas are trusting and friendly — but need to be treated with respect. Picture: Suzana Paravac/@CruzySuzy/Instagram

They’re the cute and cuddly creatures that have been described as the world’s happiest animals.

And for 23-year-old wildlife photographer Suzana Paravac, quokkas have become her life’s passion.

The Perth retail worker devotes her spare time hanging out with Rottnest Island’s quokka population, capturing their cute expressions and playful behaviour.

Suzana Paravac has gained a huge following on Instagram with her images of quokkas. Picture: Suzana Paravac/@CruzySuzy/Instagram

A mother and baby quokka captured by Suzana Paravac. Picture: Suzana Paravac/@CruzySuzy/Instagram

Paravac’s image of a quokka holding a heart-shaped leaf led to an explosion in her popularity on Instagram and was one of the photo-sharing site’s most popular travel image of 2018.

“They’re a positive symbol and we need more positivity on social media instead of being competitive and obsessed with body image,” she says.

The aspiring fashion stylist says she has received a huge response from her thousands of followers.

Quokkas need to be treated with respect, says the wildlife photographer. Picture: Suzana Paravac/@CruzySuzy/Instagram

“People have messaged me to tell me that the photos are helping me with their nxiety — they’re actually helping them get through the day.”

But even though quokkas are trusting, friendly, and seemingly enjoy posing for the camera, they need to be treated with respect.

Suzana Paravac photographs quokkas on Perth’s Rottnest Island. Picture: Suzana Paravac/@CruzySuzy/Instagram

“They are so vulnerable and trusting — I feel we need more protection,” Paravac says. “I feel we’re so lucky to have these animals and we need to take care of them.”

She says it’s important for tourists who want to snap selfies with quokkas to respect the animals’ personal space and avoid taking too many pictures of them.

“I always try to read their body language and make them feel comfortable,” she says. “It's kind of like what you do with a baby — it takes time and patience.”

For more about animal encounters the right way, go to this weekend’s Escape section.

Originally published as Big tip for taking Quokka selfies on Perth’s Rottnest Island