What Happened To Michael Jackson’s Chimp, Bubbles?
By S. FLANNAGAN
ENTERTAINMENT
In the mid-1980s, Michael Jackson adopted an infant chimpanzee named Bubbles. The chimp was given to him by celebrity animal trainer Bob Dunn.
Bubbles became a celebrity in his own right, but he didn’t stay in the public eye for long. Jackson gave up his beloved pet in order to safely raise a human family of his own.
Initially, Bubbles was returned to trainer Bob Dunn before being taken to the Center for Great Apes in Wachula, Florida in 2005. The separation was reportedly stressful.
Dunn told the News of the World newspaper in 2009, "Bubbles definitely missed [Jackson] when they parted and will miss him now. Chimpanzees are intelligent. They remember people."
Bubble celebrated his 40th birthday in April 2023 and still resides at the center, which receives funding from the Michael Jackson estate to ensure the chimp enjoys retirement.