Michael Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles is 41! King of Pop's former pet has idyllic life in sanctuary - as MJ's estate's kind gestures to animal are revealed on eve of death anniversary
Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee Bubbles is living his best life at an animal sanctuary at the impressive age of 41 it has been revealed a day before the King of Pop's 15th death anniversary.
The famous primate has been enjoying a nice life at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida according to a Monday report from TMZ which came just days after the late singer's son Bigi, 22 was seen on a rare outing.
Bubbles is in the twilight of his lifetime as the average lifespan for a chimp in captivity is between 50 and 60-years-old.
Director of the sanctuary Patti Ragan told the publication that Bubbles has a lot of freedom at the sanctuary including exploring tunnel, nest building under a tree, daily midday naps, and even occasionally painting.
The chimp weighs 180 pounds and is regularly checked out by a veterinarian in addition to a staff of caregivers.
Michael Jackson 's pet chimpanzee Bubbles (the two are pictured in Osaka, Japan in September 1987) is living his best life at an animal sanctuary at the impressive age of 41 it has been revealed a day before the King of Pop's 15th death anniversary
The famous primate has been enjoying a nice life at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida according to a Monday report from TMZ which came just days after the late singer's son Bigi, 22 was seen on a rare outing; Bubbles is pictured recently
Ragan told TMZ that Bubbles is a friendly chimp who interacts well with visitors and other animals as it has also been claimed that the famous pet has not shown any signs of any past abuse.
The sanctuary does play Michael's music and videos for those in captivity but it has been said that Bubbles does not appear to enjoy it anymore than the rest of the primates in the facility.
The update comes at an interesting time as Michael's 15th death anniversary on Tuesday as he passed away on June 25, 2009 from acute propofol intoxication.
The Michael Jackson Estate has continued to care for Bubbles in the years after the Bad singer's death as it contributes to his annual care costs which are about $30K a year.
In addition the King of Pop's diehard fan club also sends the chimp several treats -including mangos and coconuts - and blankets.
It has also been said that Michael's attorney and family members have come to visit Bubbles over the years and that they have nothing but 'sweet encounters' with the animal.
The Center for Great Apes mission 'is to provide a sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees who have been rescued or retired from entertainment, research, or the pet trade.'
In 2005, Bubbles made his way to the Florida facility after being deemed 'too aggressive' to live at Jackson's home.
Director of the sanctuary Patti Ragan told the publication that Bubbles has a lot of freedom at the sanctuary including exploring tunnel, nest building under a tree, daily midday naps, and even occasionally painting
In 2005, Bubbles made his way to the Florida facility after being deemed 'too aggressive' to live at Jackson's home
The center lists Bubbles as a 'physically imposing 185-pound, 4-and-a-half foot adult male' who is 'now treated as the dominant male in his group of chimpanzees that includes his best friends, Ripley and Oopsie.'
'Bubbles enjoys quiet moments and painting,' according to the website.
The website adds that 'Bubbles will occasionally spit water or throw sand (with amazing accuracy) at strangers just to see how they react.'
Back in March the center posted an Instagram celebrating Bubbles' 19th anniversary of being there as they revealed that they do not know his actual birthdate but know he was born in 1983.
The caption read: 'Bubbles was reportedly born in a biomedical laboratory.'
Back in March the center posted an Instagram celebrating Bubbles' 19th anniversary of being there as they revealed that they do not know his actual birthdate but know he was born in 1983
Eventually Bubbles was given to Michael by a Hollywood trainer in 1986.
The post read: 'While still an infant, he was taken from his mother and given to a Hollywood trainer, who then gave him to be a pet chimpanzee for the world-famous pop singer Michael Jackson.
'In such a bright limelight, it’s no surprise that Bubbles soon gained fame—and many adoring fans—of his own. He appeared in television shows, movies, and music videos. When he was only four years old, he went to Japan on a promotional tour with Jackson.'
Other famous primates at the Center for Great Apes include Sammy who starred in 1996 film Dunston Checks In, twins Jonah and Jacob who starred in 2001 Mark Wahlberg film Planet Of The Apes, and Bo and Joe who lived in the CW Exotics facility which was at the center of popular Netflix docuseries Tiger King.
