Fans watching the new Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” see the pop legend’s chimpanzee companion Bubbles brought to life through CGI, but the real ape is living a quiet retirement far from the spotlight.
Bubbles, now 43 years old, has resided at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, since 2005 . He was relocated there after maturing into a 185-pound adult male who became too large and strong to safely live alongside humans .
At the sanctuary, Bubbles has flourished. Described as a “calm and artistic presence,” he is the respected leader of his chimpanzee group, which includes his closest friends Oopsie, Boma, Kodua and Stryker . Though shy and private by nature, staff say he is also playful, known for playfully teasing visitors with a splash of water or sprinkle of sand .
Bubbles enjoys painting and will only hand over his canvas when he feels truly finished. His expressive style sometimes goes beyond the borders of the paper .
The chimpanzee was born in 1983 at a Texas biomedical research facility before Jackson rescued him . He accompanied Jackson on world tours, appeared in music videos and was even the singer’s plus-one at his lawyer’s wedding . At Neverland Ranch, Bubbles slept in a crib in Jackson’s bedroom .
The Michael Jackson Estate continues to financially support Bubbles’ care at the sanctuary . Founding director Patti Ragan revealed that Jackson was making plans to visit Bubbles at the time of his death in 2009 .
Now considered an elderly primate at 43, Bubbles spends much of his time napping. “He’s good with the youngsters, but he’s moving a little slower,” Ragan said .
