Michael Jackson He will be happy to know that his former pet chimpanzee Bubbles is now living a good life as an older primate, according to the shelter that takes him in.
Patti RaganThe director of the Great Ape Center told TMZ … Babs has a lot of freedom at the sanctuary. He is able to explore tunnels, build a nest under a tree, take daily naps, and sometimes even draw!
Bubbles is now 41 years old and has regular check-ups with veterinarians and caregivers…and weighs 180 pounds. By the way, the lifespan of a captive chimpanzee is between 50 and 60 years.
She went on to describe Bubbles as a friendly chimpanzee who interacts well with visitors and other animals… including other chimpanzees Oopsie, Boma, Ripley, Kodua and Stryker. We’re told Babs shows no signs of past abuse.
Even though the sanctuary plays Michael Jordan music and videos for the chimpanzees… Bubbles doesn’t seem to like Michael’s music. So while their relationship was once close, the singer has long since become a bubbly past.
When Babs reached adulthood, Michael could no longer keep Babs as a pet… Michael first brought him to a trainer in 2003 and then to a shelter two years later.
As previously reported by TMZ… Michael died Four years later, June 25, 2009 – acute propofol poisoning. Patty said the Great Ape Center does not plan to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Michael’s death.
After MJ’s death, the Michael Jackson Estate continued to care for Bubbles…the annual cost of his care was approximately $27,000. Michael’s fan club also sent Bubbles some gifts, including coconuts, mangoes and blankets – which we’re told he likes to curl up in while taking naps.
In recent years, Michael’s attorneys and family have struggled to visit Bubbles…where they have had nothing but sweet encounters with the primates.
A silver lining in a bittersweet story.
