What happened to Michael Jackson’s pet chimp Bubbles after his death
Jen Thomas
Featured Image Credit: Sankei Archive via Getty Images
Michael Jackson regularly made headlines for his unconventional choice of pet, his beloved chimpanzee, Bubbles.
When the superstar passed away from a propofol overdose at the age of 50 back in 2009, many fans were worried about what would happen to the chimp.
Jackson first adopted Bubbles back in 1983, and the primate was much more than just a pet to him before the birth of his three children.
He took Bubbles everywhere with him as part of his entourage, and he even accompanied Jackson on his tours.
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There were many famous images of the chimp, including one where Jackson dressed him in a red tracksuit, and many people have remembered him now thanks to a new film about Jackson's life.
Following the star's shock death, his fans feared that Bubbles would go to a zoo and become a tourist attraction.
According to Vanity Fair, unbelievably, Bubbles is now a whopping 43 years of age.
Fortunately, the incredibly famous chimpanzee was rescued by a specialist sanctuary, called the Center for Great Apes in Florida.
The sanctuary recently issued an update about him.
They said: "Bubbles is a bright, sensitive, and curious chimpanzee with a gentle nature and a strong personality of his own. Like many elder chimps, he enjoys the comfort of his daily routines and the company of his longtime chimpanzee companions.”
They stressed the most important thing was for him to make 'choices about how he spends his days', after spending his early years in the spotlight with his famous owner.
It seems he has taken a dislike to being photographed, with the sanctuary noting on his profile: "Despite the fact that he is very photogenic, Bubbles is difficult to photograph because he does not like the camera. He often will turn his back when he sees a camera."
There are strict rules at the sanctuary, such as no physical interaction between humans and the great apes is allowed.
Bubbles apparently has a creative streak, and loves to paint.
The sanctuary reps also say he is 'as mischievous as he is reserved'.
It seems he also has a cheeky side, as they say he will 'occasionally spit water or throw sand (with amazing accuracy) at strangers, just to see how they react.'
That's quite the skill.
He is now a large 185-pound adult male, and is 'the respected leader of his chimpanzee group'.
"Though shy and private, Bubbles is also playful. He’s been known for gently teasing visitors with a splash of water or a sprinkle of sand, just for fun," they added.
"Bubbles especially enjoys painting, often spending quiet time creating colourful works of art. He only hands over the canvas when he’s truly finished, and his expressive style sometimes goes beyond the borders!"
They say it costs around $30,000 a year to care for a great ape, and the sanctuary extended their thanks to Michael Jackson's estate for his care.
He now spends his days with companions called Oopsie, Boma, Kodua, and Stryker.