Man Fined $200 for Giving Quokka a Vape

Western Australian police have issued a $200 fine to a 29-year-old man following an incident on Rottnest Island on November 2, 2026. The man allegedly took a photograph of a quokka with a vape in its mouth, which attracted police attention via the internet. This resulted in a "Rottnest Island Authority Infringement" being levied.

Quokkas, native to Western Australia and popular for their cheerful appearance, are a protected species under both federal and state law. Disturbing or feeding these animals is illegal and can lead to immediate removal from the island and fines starting at $200. More serious violations of conservation laws could incur penalties up to $10,000.

While "quokka selfies" are a common practice, animal welfare experts suggest that quick photos from a distance are permissible if the animal shows no signs of stress. However, it remains difficult to ascertain an animal's comfort level. The premier of Western Australia expressed strong disapproval of the incident.

This event follows another recent case where two teenagers were accused of animal cruelty involving black swans. One swan reportedly inhaled vape smoke, while another died after being slapped. One of the teenagers was convicted in September 2026 for their involvement.