Michael Jackson was known for his unique companions, including a giraffe and a chimpanzee named Bubbles, who lived at his family’s California estate.
In the 1980s, Jackson adopted Bubbles from a research facility in Texas. Today, the chimpanzee resides at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, where he receives care.
During their time together, Jackson and Bubbles frequently appeared in public, notably sharing tea with government officials in Japan in 1987.
Bubbles, now 43 years old, is featured in a recent biopic that premiered on April 24. The film stars Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, as the legendary singer.
The Center for Great Apes recently updated their Instagram to address rumors sparked by a viral A.I.-generated photo, clarifying whether Jaafar has visited Bubbles.
Alongside a picture of Bubbles, the sanctuary started the caption by addressing ‘misinformation’ amid ‘recent interest’ in the chimp.
Michael Jackson had kept exotic pets such as a giraffe and a chimpanzee named Bubbles that resided at his family estate in California
The 43-year-old chimp was portrayed in the biopic which hit theaters just days earlier on April 24 and notably stars the iconic singer’s nephew Jaafar Jackson
The organization stated, “Jaafar has not visited the Center for Great Apes or Bubbles. We would certainly welcome the opportunity to host him for a visit in the future.”
An A.I. generated image has filtered through the internet and shows Jackson’s nephew posing with the chimp.
The sanctuary confirmed that the picture is A.I. and not real.
‘As a true accredited sanctuary, the well-being of the apes always comes first,’ the message continued. ‘We do not allow physical contact or direct interactions between people and the apes.’
Both the chimps and orangutans which reside at the sanctuary are ‘in protected habitats with secure barriers, where they can feel safe and make their own choices about their daily lives without human intrusion.’
This helps offer ‘respect, care, and lifelong protection’ for the apes rather than ‘entertainment or personal encounters’.
In conclusion, the sanctuary expressed gratitude towards ‘the public’s interest in Bubbles.
‘And for the continued support of our mission to provide sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans who deserve peace, dignity, and the companionship of their own kind.’
An A.I.-generated image has filtered through the internet and shows Jackson’s nephew posing with the chimp (seen above)
The Center for Great Apes added that Jaafar ‘has not visited the Center for Great Apes or Bubbles. We would certainly welcome the opportunity to host him for a visit in the future’; Jaafar seen earlier this month in L.A.
Jackson adopted Bubbles in the 1980s from a research facility in Texas and the chimp initially resided at the star’s family home located in Encino, California.
In 1988, the chimp was then moved to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara.
Throughout that decade, Bubbles would join the Billie Jean hitmaker on outings, on tour and would sleep in a crib inside the King of Pop’s bedroom.
In the early 2000s, the chimp had started to become more aggressive into adulthood and spent time with an animal trainer in California.
Bubbles was moved to the Center for Great Apes in Florida in 2005, where he has been residing since.
The center’s founder Patti Ragan recently told the Daily Mail earlier this year that, ‘Bubbles is aging gracefully.
‘Bubbles takes naps in the afternoon, and usually makes his nest for the night by 6pm sleeping until early morning.’
The chimp enjoys hobbies such as painting while ‘his favorite activity is hanging out with his chimp friends as they enjoy meals together.
Jackson adopted Bubbles in the 1980s from a research facility in Texas and the chimp initially resided at the star’s family home located in Encino, California; seen in 1987
Jackson and Bubbles made a number of public appearances together, including when the pair drank tea while visiting government officials in Japan in 1987 (seen above)
‘His days are spent with his long-time chimpanzee family (Oopsie, Boma, Kodua, & Stryker),’ Ragan added.
Before his days at the sanctuary, Bubbles had mingled with other rock stars such as Jon Bon Jovi.
The chimp was portrayed in the biopic Michael which was released in theaters last week.
However, the director Antoine Fuqua opted to CGI Bubbles rather than using a real chimpanzee for scenes.
Lionsgate told Variety in a statement through PETA earlier this month: ‘We have had continuing constructive dialogue with PETA about the portrayal of Bubbles the chimpanzee as a pet.
‘This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets.’
Lionsgate added, ‘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.’
The center’s founder Patti Ragan recently told the Daily Mail earlier this year that, ‘Bubbles is aging gracefully’
The chimp was portrayed in the biopic Michael which was released in theaters last week. However, the director Antoine Fuqua opted to CGI Bubbles rather than using a real chimpanzee for scenes
Michael officially premiered on April 24 and smashed box office records with a $97million domestic debut despite backlash for ignoring abuse claims.
Jaafar portrayed his uncle in the movie and notably made his feature film debut with the project.
The biopic additionally stars Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Juliano Valdi and Laura Harrier.
And globally, the movie opened with $218.8million and is the biggest opening for a musical biopic, per Deadline.
Michael officially premiered on April 24 and smashed box office records with a $97million domestic debut despite backlash for ignoring abuse claims
Jaafar opened up about his extensive vocal training in order to sound like Jackson when singing.
‘When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track. So it’s a blend of my vocal and Michael’s,’ the star explained on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.
In regards to the ‘hours upon hours’ of training, Jaafar expressed that it ‘was not easy’ while talking to Lionsgate.
‘I love challenges, and I wanted to prove to myself my family and the filmmakers that I can do this.’
