Where is Michael Jackson’s famous chimpanzee Bubbles today? The real story uncovered.
Michael Jackson's cherished chimpanzee Bubbles continues to roam around nearly 17 years after his passing. Yes, the 43-year-old ape is still alive and well and resides at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida.
“He's such a sweet, sweet guy,” Patti Ragan, the founding director of the animal refuge, tells Variety in an interview that was released on April 24. "People still picture him as cute little baby with a pink face that Michael carried around. But he’s big boy now, about 170 pounds."
She went on, "He's living with a group of five, and we’re introducing some youngsters into that group right now."
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Jackson and Bubbles grew up on California's Neverland Ranch. He "helped raise two babies," as reported by Ragan, after being transferred to Great Apes in 2005.
“He’s good with the youngsters, but he’s moving a little slower," she revealed. "Sometimes it takes him longer to climb ladders, but he eats well.”
Currently, Bubbles likes to play with Velcro bags and eat fruits, veggies, and leafy greens.
“He likes to put his treasures in them," Ragan continued, "and carry them around."
Apparently to the Great Ape website, Jackson's estate still pays for Bubbles' modest lifestyle even after the King of Pop passed away in 2009 at the age of 50.
"Though shy and private, Bubbles is also playful," he had a profile. "He’s been known for gently teasing visitors with a splash of water or a sprinkle of sand, just for fun."
Bubbles, meanwhile, is very camera-shy.
"Despite the fact that he is very photogenic, Bubbles is difficult to photograph because he does not like the camera," the Great Apes website stated. "He often will turn his back when he sees a camera."
Fans won't see him in the recently released Michael biography, which employed computer-generated imagery to depict the chimp, in part because of this.
"We have had continuing constructive dialogue with PETA about the portrayal of Bubbles the chimpanzee as a pet," Lionsgate stated in a statement issued by the animal advocacy organization. "This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets."