ALBAWABA - Former pet chimpanzee of the late king of pop Michael Jackson made headlines after turning 41 and is currently living his best life at Florida's Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, according to TMZ.
In the shelter, Bubbles is free to roam around and is claimed to have been given plenty of care and love there. Moreover, the 41-year-old chimp also enjoys occasionally painting, napping, and building his nest under a tree at the facility.
Patti Ragan, the Center for Great Apes' director described Bubbles to TMZ as a friendly chimp who loves to interact with people and other animals including fellow chimps Oopsie, Boma, Ripley, Kodua, and Stryker. She added that Bubbles has not shown any signs of past abuse.
Michael Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles turns 41
(Bubbles / Center for Great Apes)
After Michael Jackson passed away, his family took care of Bubbles and also paid his annual fees which accumulated to $27,000. Additionally, they also made sure to visit Bubbles occasionally to check on him.
Despite their close bond, Bubbles doesn't seem to recognize any of Michael Jackson's songs and doesn't necessarily prefer them over listening to anything else.
15 years ago, the world lost the king of Pop Michael Jackson
Viersen, Germany - January 9. 2024: Closeup of singer Michael Jackson vinyl record hit album cover Thriller from 1982 (focus on center) / Shutterstock
Today, Micahel Jackson fans took to social media outlets and remembered the king of pop since on this day 15 years ago he passed away. Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote:
"Michael Jackson deserved the world, but the world didn’t deserve him. Rest easy, King."
"You changed the world with such exuberant talent in many ways!!! We love you! We will always miss you! Gone too soon."
"His magic and legacy will live on through the years. We will always love you, King of Pop."
