Nearly 17 years after Michael Jackson's death, his beloved chimpanzee Bubbles is still alive and well, living at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida.
At 43 years old, Bubbles has left his days on Neverland Ranch far behind. He now resides in a sanctuary with a group of five other chimpanzees, where he is described as a "sweet, sweet guy" by founding director Patti Ragan.
"People still picture him as a cute little baby with a pink face that Michael carried around," Ragan told Variety. "But he's a big boy now, about 170 pounds."
Bubbles was moved to the sanctuary in 2005, where he helped raise two baby chimpanzees. Although he moves a bit slower now, he still enjoys climbing ladders and eating well. His diet includes fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, and he loves playing with Velcro backpacks, which he uses to carry his treasures.
Jackson's estate continues to cover Bubbles' living expenses, according to the sanctuary's website. Despite his playful nature—occasionally splashing visitors with water or tossing sand for fun—Bubbles is camera-shy and often turns his back when a lens is pointed his way.
This aversion to cameras is one reason fans won't see him in the new Michael biopic, which used CGI to portray the chimp. Lionsgate stated that the portrayal is based on historical fact and not intended to endorse keeping chimpanzees as pets.
While Bubbles enjoys a quiet retirement, Jackson's children have been navigating their own relationships with the film. Prince Jackson served as a producer and praised his cousin Jaafar's performance, while Paris Jackson distanced herself from the project, noting she had no involvement.
But for Bubbles, life at the sanctuary is simple and content. As Ragan summed up: "He's such a sweet, sweet guy."