Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee Bubbles is living his best life in an animal shelter at the impressive age of 41, a day before the 15th anniversary of the King of Pop’s death.
The famous primate is 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 spotted on a rare outing.
Bubbles is in the twilight of his life, as the average lifespan of a chimpanzee in captivity is between 50 and 60 years old.
Shelter director Patti Ragan told the publication that Bubbles has a lot of freedom at the shelter, including exploring a tunnel, building a nest under a tree, daily afternoon naps and even painting occasionally.
The chimpanzee weighs 180 kilos and is regularly checked by a veterinarian in addition to a staff of caretakers.
Michael Jackson’s chimpanzee Bubbles (the two are pictured in Osaka, Japan in September 1987) is living his best life in an animal shelter at the impressive age of 41, it was revealed a day before the 15th anniversary of the King of Pop’s death
The famous primate is enjoying a fun life at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, according to a Monday report from TMZ that came just days after the late singer’s 22-year-old son, Bigi, was spotted on a rare outing; Bubbles was recently pictured
Ragan told TMZ that Bubbles is a friendly chimpanzee who gets along well with visitors and other animals, as it is also claimed that the famous pet has shown no signs of any abuse in the past.
The sanctuary plays Michael’s music and videos for those in captivity, but it is said that Bubbles doesn’t seem to enjoy it any more than the rest of the primates in the facility.
The update comes at an interesting time: Michael’s 15th anniversary of his death on Tuesday, when he died on June 25, 2009 from acute propofol intoxication.
The Michael Jackson Estate has continued to care for Bubbles in the years since the Bad singer’s death, as it contributes to his annual healthcare costs, which amount to approximately $30,000 per year.
In addition, the King of Pop’s diehard fan club also sends the chimpanzee various treats, including mangoes and coconuts, and blankets.
It is also said that Michael’s attorney and family members have come to visit Bubbles over the years and have had nothing but “sweet encounters” with the animal.
The Center for Great Apes’ mission “is to provide a sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees rescued or retired from entertainment, research, or the pet trade.”
In 2005, Bubbles moved to the Florida facility after being deemed “too aggressive” to live at Jackson’s home.
Shelter director Patti Ragan told the publication that Bubbles has a lot of freedom at the shelter, including exploring the tunnel, building a nest under a tree, taking daily afternoon naps and even painting occasionally.
In 2005, Bubbles moved 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-foot adult male” who is “now treated as the dominant male in his chimpanzee group, which also includes his best friends, Ripley and Oopsie.”
“Bubbles enjoys quiet moments and painting,” the website says.
The website adds that “Bubbles will occasionally spit water or throw sand (with astonishing accuracy) at strangers, just to see how they react.”
In March, the center posted an Instagram celebrating Bubbles’ 19th birthday while they were there, as they revealed they don’t know his actual birth date, but know he was born in 1983.
The caption read: “Bubbles was reportedly born in a biomedical lab.”
In March, the center posted an Instagram celebrating Bubbles’ 19th birthday while they were there, as they revealed they don’t know his actual birth date, but do know he was born in 1983.
Finally, Bubbles was given to Michael in 1986 by a Hollywood trainer.
The message read: ‘When he was a baby, he was taken from his mother and given to a Hollywood trainer, who then gave him as a pet chimpanzee for world-famous pop singer Michael Jackson.
‘Under such a bright spotlight, it’s no surprise that Bubbles quickly found fame himself – and many adoring fans. He has appeared in television shows, films and music videos. When he was only four years old, he went to Japan with Jackson for a promotional tour.’
Other famous primates at the Center for Great Apes include Sammy who starred in the 1996 film Dunston Checks In, twins Jonah and Jacob who starred in the 2001 Mark Wahlberg film Planet Of The Apes, and Bo and Joe who starred in the CW Exotics facility resided in the Center for Great Apes. the center of the hit Netflix docuseries Tiger King.