Bubbles, who was once a famous mascot of Michael Jackson, now leads a quiet life full of activities as “a normal chimpanzee” in the sanctuary, which cares for him at 41 years of age. The primate, housed in the Center for Great Apes in Wauchulalives in a refuge where he enjoys calm, companionship with his peers and where he is also encouraged to pursue hobbies as unique as painting.
He said Patti Ragan —sanctuary director— TMZ, Bubbles enjoys a lot of freedom in her new home. He can explore tunnels, build nests under trees, take daily naps, and sometimes paint on canvases.
This last activity seems to be one of his favorites. Ragan notes that Bubbles often gives his works to caretakers, who receive them delightedly. Likewise, he is described as a sociable chimpanzee that interacts well with visitors and other animals, including his fellow primates: Oopsie, Boma, Ripley, Kodua and Stryker. Thus, “Michael Jackson would be happy to see his pet live a good old age”Ragan said.
Bubbles He receives constant veterinary care from staff at the shelter, and currently weighs 83 kilos (180 pounds) according to the tabloid. With a life expectancy of between 50 and 60 years in captivity, everything indicates that she lives in excellent health. “He shows no signs of having been mistreated,” the source said.
As a curious fact, although the sanctuary plays music and videos of Michael JacksonBubbles does not show a special or unique preference for his former owner’s songs.
Bubbles was born in 1983 in a biomedical laboratory and was separated from his mother at a young age. He was subsequently handed over to a Hollywood trainer before being adopted by Michael Jackson. At that stage of his life, the chimpanzee was part of television shows, movies and music videos.
In 1987, Bubbles accompanied the King of Pop during the world tour Bad and appeared in the video for the single Liberian Girl. During that tour he shared a cup of tea with Yasushi Oshimathen mayor of Osaka, Japan, a famous moment in his life with Jackson.
Jon Bon Jovi He also told an anecdote Jimmy Kimmel Live!: “We invited Michael Jackson to a party during the tour Slippery When Wet, but he didn’t come. Instead, she sent Bubbles. That was tremendous. “Bubbles came down and wreaked havoc, jumping on the bed and putting on a show.”
The musician explained that the hotel management threatened to kick them out, but that the chimpanzee had fun “like a rock star.”
When Bubbles grew, his size and strength made it difficult for him to continue living near people. So it was that in 2003, the interpreter of Thriller decided to send him back to his trainer’s animal sanctuary in California. Two years later, the chimpanzee was moved to the Center for Great Apes in Florida, where he has lived ever since.
Often, as he celebrates his birthday, the animal care center updates the public on his status. Bubbles became a dominant male within the shelter, as he “earned the respect” of his peers Ripley and Jessie.
In March 2024, her keepers celebrated Bubbles’ 19th anniversary at the sanctuary with a social media post: “We don’t know his exact date of birth, but we know it was in 1983, so this year he will be 41 years old.”.
Before he died, Jackson financed Bubbles’ care, a responsibility that was later assumed by his heirs and estate. It requires approximately USD 30,000 a year, according to the media. Additionally, his fan club sends coconuts, mangoes, and blankets, which Bubbles uses during her naps.
