A Love Island star has come under fire for touching a quokka on Rottnest Island, despite all the signs saying “do not touch”.
Sydney chippie-turned-reality star Al Perkins took a trip to WA’s iconic island on Friday to snap a pic with one of Rottnest’s most famous residents.
However, the 26-year-old quickly found himself in deep water after posting a selfie to his Instagram that showed him touching the marsupial — even though he also posted a picture of one of the island’s many signs that read: “I am a wild animal, so please don’t touch me”.
His followers were quick to flood the post’s comments section to tell him off, letting him know that it is “strictly against the rules” to touch the quokkas.
“You post the sign on your story that says do NOT touch them, then you post this? Are you taking the piss? Respect our native fauna,” one commenter said.
“Hundreds of signs on the island saying DO NOT touch the quokka’s. Even videos and announcements on the ferry but still ignored.. 😔” another added.
“I’ve reported you to the Rottnest Island ranger services. Enjoy the fine,” one commented.
According to Rottnest Island’s official website, touching quokkas is strictly off-limits to visitors as it can “make them sick, spread disease, and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent.”
“Simply observe the quokkas as they go about their natural movements,” it reads.
Signs are placed around the island warning that touching and feeding the species is prohibited. If found guilty, offenders can face a fine up to $300.
Al Perkins is not the first influencer to snap a pic with the marsupial known for its cheeky smile.
Many Aussie stars and international celebs have added a quokka selfie to their collection, including Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Roger Federer and Sam Kerr.
On Friday, Tennis No.1 Novak Djokovic was on the island grabbing a selfie with a quokka.
More than 12,000 of the marsupials live on the Aussie island and are known for their friendly and inquisitive personalities — even being coined by some as the “world’s happiest animal”.