Michael Jackson had one of the most famous pets in pop culture history—a chimpanzee named Bubbles who traveled the world, attended recording sessions, and became nearly as recognizable as the King of Pop himself. For years, the duo were inseparable, sharing hotel suites, red carpets, and even a bedroom at Neverland Ranch. Now, with a major biopic bringing Jackson's life back into the spotlight, many are asking: whatever happened to Bubbles?
How Michael Jackson Got Bubbles
According to the Center for Great Apes, Jackson purchased Bubbles in the mid-1980s after the chimp was born at a biomedical research facility in Texas. Animal trainer Bob Dunn helped bring the young chimp into Jackson's life. Reports differ on the exact details: some accounts say Jackson bought him directly from the facility when he was just eight months old, while others claim he acquired him through a Hollywood animal trainer. As reported by The Telegraph, Dunn later described Jackson and Bubbles as close friends and playmates, noting that Jackson viewed Bubbles as his first child. From the moment Bubbles arrived, the two were rarely apart.
Michael Jackson and Bubbles on Tour and in the Studio
According to Variety, Jackson brought Bubbles on tour, and the chimp even attended lawyer John Branca's wedding as his plus-one. The two sipped tea together while visiting government officials in Japan in 1987. Jackson later moved Bubbles to Neverland Ranch, where he slept in a crib in Jackson's bedroom. Reports from the time indicate that Bubbles appeared in music videos, sat in during recording sessions, and attended celebrity parties, where he reportedly worked the room and was the life of the party. The chimp had famous run-ins along the way. As People magazine reported, Jon Bon Jovi told Jimmy Kimmel he once partied with Bubbles in a Tokyo hotel room, recalling that the chimp jumped on the bed and entertained everyone. Not all encounters were lighthearted. As reported by MSN, music producer Quincy Jones recalled bluntly: "He was a pain in the ass. He bit Rashida," referring to his daughter Rashida Jones.
The Moonwalk, the Agent, and the Bodyguard
Jackson taught Bubbles how to do his iconic moonwalk. Bubbles also had his own agent and was rumored to have a personal bodyguard. He made a cameo appearance in the 'Liberian Girl' video, one of several on-screen appearances alongside Jackson.
Michael Jackson and Bubbles Meet the Mayor of Osaka
Reports confirm that during the Bad World Tour, Bubbles and Jackson shared a hotel suite in Tokyo and made a social visit to the Mayor of Osaka, where Bubbles drank Japanese green tea while seated quietly next to Jackson. The mayor's office noted that officials were surprised to see a chimpanzee walk into City Hall but acknowledged he appeared to be Jackson's genuine companion. Due to strict quarantine laws, Bubbles was not permitted to travel to Sweden and the UK during parts of the tour, though he did join Jackson at Elizabeth Taylor's house and at a promotional party.
When Michael Jackson and Bubbles Went Their Separate Ways
As Jackson's family grew, so did Bubbles. As People magazine reported, Jackson himself described Bubbles as pugnacious in the 2003 documentary 'Living with Michael Jackson,' and the chimpanzee was eventually moved out of the home over concerns he posed a safety risk to Jackson's newborn son. Speaking to The Telegraph after Jackson's passing, Bob Dunn said: "Bubbles definitely missed him when they parted. The last time Michael visited, Bubbles definitely recognized and remembered him."
Where Is Bubbles Today?
Patti Ragan, founding director of the Center for Great Apes, told Variety: "He's such a sweet, sweet guy. People still picture him as a cute little baby with a pink face that Michael carried around. But he's a big boy now, about 170 pounds. He's living with a group of five, and we're introducing some youngsters into that group right now." At 43, reports confirm that Bubbles is considered an elderly primate who spends much of his time napping. His favorite foods include fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, and he loves filling Velcro backpacks with little treasures and carrying them around. As confirmed by Fox 13 News through a direct interview with Ragan at the sanctuary, the Michael Jackson Estate pays over $30,000 annually for Bubbles' care. Jackson had been making plans to visit at the time of his passing in 2009 but never got the chance.
What Does Bubbles Represent Beyond the Headlines?
The Center for Great Apes notes on their official website that Bubbles is shy and private but also playful, known for gently teasing visitors with a splash of water or a sprinkle of sand. Despite being very photogenic, he does not like cameras and will often turn his back when one appears. Lionsgate released a formal statement through PETA regarding the biopic: "This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets. Bubbles is portrayed in the movie using CGI technology, and the real Bubbles has been living a peaceful life at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary for more than 20 years." At 43 years old, living quietly in a Florida sanctuary, surrounded by other chimpanzees and cared for by people who love him, Bubbles has long since left all that behind. The cameras are gone, the tours are over, and the moonwalking lessons were a long time ago. By all accounts, he is doing just fine.
