Man visited Rottnest Island and took a photo with a quokka, then police saw what device he allegedly put in the animal’s mouth and tracked him down

A man has been fined after a disturbing photograph showing a vape being held against a quokka’s mouth sparked a police investigation on an Australian island, as reported by 7News. The image, which circulated on social media, reportedly showed someone placing an electronic cigarette against the small animal’s face, raising concerns about its safety and the treatment of local wildlife.

The photograph was reportedly taken on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth in Western Australia. After the image began circulating online, police launched an investigation to identify the person involved. Authorities eventually traced it to a 29-year-old man, who was issued an infringement notice and received a $200 AUSD fine, equivalent to approximately $130 USD.

Although the photograph appears to show an electronic cigarette being pressed against the quokka’s mouth, it remains unclear whether the animal actually inhaled any vapor or was simply biting the device. The incident has drawn attention to wildlife protection rules on Rottnest Island, where visitors are prohibited from touching or feeding quokkas.

The photograph didn’t sit well with the people

As reported by the outlet, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook also condemned the photograph, calling the behavior “disgusting.” He emphasized that quokkas are among the island’s most recognizable attractions and that visitors should respect their safety.

“Our quokkas are international drawcards for Western Australia and Rottnest Island because of their warm, welcoming nature,” Cook said. “Any attempt to put quokkas at risk or harm them should be met with consequences.”

Quokkas are small marsupials native to Western Australia and are particularly associated with Rottnest Island, where they have become a major attraction for tourists. Often recognized for their seemingly smiling expressions, the animals are protected wildlife, making interactions with visitors a matter of conservation as well as animal welfare.

Under Western Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, it is an offense to disturb wildlife without lawful authority, and it also prohibits feeding fauna without permission. The legislation carries penalties of up to $20,000 for unlawfully feeding wildlife. They say:

Additionally, the Rottnest Island Authority warns that deliberately interfering with animals can result in further prosecution under the state’s biodiversity laws, with fines reaching $10,000. They say: “For their safety and yours, don’t touch any of the animals on the island. While quokkas are certainly curious, touching and petting them is not permitted. Touching quokkas (or any animal) can make them sick, spread disease, and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent.” More serious cases involving animal cruelty can carry penalties of up to $300,000 and five years in prison under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.