Bubbles, the chimpanzee who became a global sensation as Michael Jackson's beloved pet, is still alive and well at 41 years old, living in Florida. Once sharing the stage and screen with the King of Pop, Bubbles is now enjoying a much quieter life at the Center for Great Apes, where he resides alongside other retired chimpanzees from the entertainment world.
Bubbles’ life has been a journey of ups and downs. Born in a biomedical lab, he was taken from his mother at a young age before being gifted to Michael Jackson by a Hollywood trainer. Jackson, known for his love of animals, quickly formed a deep bond with Bubbles, treating him like family. The chimpanzee became a familiar figure in the media, accompanying Jackson to interviews, music video shoots, and even world tours, becoming a pop culture icon in his own right.
However, as Bubbles grew older and more powerful, he could no longer safely be part of Jackson’s public life. In the mid-2000s, he was relocated to a California animal sanctuary before eventually moving to his current home in Florida. Despite leaving the limelight, Bubbles is well cared for, and Michael Jackson’s estate continues to contribute to his annual care.
These days, Bubbles enjoys a peaceful retirement, painting and spending time with his chimpanzee companions. Though his days of fame are behind him, his story still resonates with fans of Jackson, reminding us of their unique bond and the quieter life that Bubbles now leads.
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