Whatever happened to Bubbles?
Posted by Jane Murphy
Over recent days, we’ve had an endless stream of soundbites and tributes from Michael Jackson’s family, friends, ex-wives, work colleagues, admirers and - of course - professional Jacko rent-a-quotes Uri Geller and David Gest. But what about the King of Pop’s one-time pet chimp Bubbles?
Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that the nice folk at People magazine have managed to track him down to a primate sanctuary in Florida.
“We haven’t said anything to him yet,” the sanctuary's director Patti Ragan reveals, adding that the 26-year-old chimp’s mood over the past few days has been the same as ever. “He’s been his usual self, interacting with friends, eating well, taking cover when it rains.” Well, that’s probably what Jacko would have wanted…
Bubbles arrived at the Center for Great Apes in 2005, shortly after his trainer stopped working with chimpanzees. Michael’s rep did contact the centre, saying the singer wanted to come and visit, but he never managed to make the trip.
It’s not known whether Michael stipulated that any cash from his estate would be used to support Bubbles. Up until now, his upkeep has been paid for by public donations.
Find out more about the Center for Great Apes.
Picture: PA
SEE ALSO:
Janet’s tearful tribute to brother Michael >>
Celebrities pay tribute to Jacko >>
Shock around the world as Jackson dies >>
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".... it's a chimp not a human; yes it is a very close relative to the human and it has feeling but it can't talk or understand us properly.....".
So, it was the perfect companion for Michael Jackson when he was alive.
Posted by: Malcolm | 02 July 2009 at 13:57
why would the chimps mood afect anything it a chimp not a human... yes it is a very close relative to the human and it has feeling but it cant talk or understand us properly so leave the chimp alone.. and it was about time that micheal jackson passed away because his condition was getting worse and he would have been in more pain...
Posted by: Katy | 01 July 2009 at 10:24
This chimp might be on to a money BANANANZA
Posted by: Gary | 30 June 2009 at 14:20
Don't tell me the keeper thought the chimp would get upset. !! it's a monkey, a chimpanzee!! get it , i suppose it'll turn up to the funeral with a ten grand suit on, and sit next to blanket !
Blanket !!! how wierd can you get.
Posted by: Paul | 30 June 2009 at 14:06