Michael Jackson's Pet Bubbles, The Truth About The Chimp's Whereabouts As 'Michael' Rules Theaters

Michael Jackson adopted Bubbles years ago, and the chimp appeared with him on different occasions. Bubbles celebrated his 42nd birthday in 2025.

Jaafar Jackson’s performance as his uncle, Michael Jackson, in Michael is receiving a lot of praise from critics and the audience. Michael Jackson’s personal life and career have once again come into focus after the success of the biographical film. Notably, Antoine Fuqua managed to avoid addressing the controversies and a lot of other facts due to a settlement clause.

For the unversed, Michael also had a pet named Bubbles. It was a chimp adopted by the King of Pop years ago, in 1983. While Michael continues to have a successful run on the big screen, people have been eager to know the whereabouts of Jackson’s pet. Keep reading to know more!

Bubbles has been staying in a sanctuary in Florida for almost 20 years

Photo credit: Center for Great Apes

As mentioned, Bubbles was adopted by Michael Jackson in 1983. However, the singer had to find a different place for the pet when his aggression increased at one point, specifically in the 2000s, as per Complex. Notably, the pet frequently appeared with Michael while he pursued a successful journey in the musical world for all these years. Bubbles has been staying at a sanctuary called the Center for Great Apes since 2005. The sanctuary is located in Wauchula, Florida. 

Photo credit: HELLO! Magazine

Back in March 2025, the sanctuary celebrated 20 years of the pet’s arrival at their place. The post revealed that Bubbles turned 42 at that time, adding that he has been enjoying most of his days “lounging” in the sun and painting. The caption stated that Bubbles is known for his calm behaviour and attraction towards enrichment activities. The sanctuary even expressed gratitude to Michael Jackson’s estate for supporting the care of the pet over the years. The post revealed some other details about Bubbles, as it reads:

“While Bubbles may be our most famous resident, he’s spent the past two decades enjoying the simple joys of being a chimpanzee - climbing, foraging, and spending time with his chimpanzee friends. Born in a biomedical lab and raised in the entertainment industry, he was once a global sensation, appearing in music videos, TV shows, and even traveling internationally. But life in the spotlight isn’t suited for chimpanzees, and when he became too strong to be around people, he was retired from show business.”

Bubbles has maintained a gentle and shy behaviour over the years

Photo credit: Center for Great Apes

Bubbles was reportedly taken care of by a Hollywood animal trainer before being adopted by Michael Jackson, as stated on the website of the Center for Great Apes. Apart from Bubbles, many other chimpanzees from the entertainment world were brought to the sanctuary in 2005. He has also been described as a 185-pound adult male and a respected leader of a group, including his friends, Oopsie, Boma, Kodua, and Stryker.

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Photo credit: Center for Great Apes

The sanctuary website says that Bubbles has maintained a gentle and shy behaviour for all these years. Furthermore, the pet also throws sand and splits water at individuals, intending to see their reactions. On the other hand, Bubbles has also avoided getting clicked by anyone as he does not like the camera. Notably, he shows his back when someone tries to take his picture. Bubbles has been created through CGI in Antoine Fuqua’s Michael. While speaking to PETA, Lionsgate said that they discussed with the animal rights organisation about the portrayal of Bubbles as a pet. Lionsgate continued by saying:

“This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets.”

Photo credit: The Guardian

What are your thoughts about Bubbles and the way he has changed over the years? Let us know.

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