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Michael Jackson’s chimp Bubbles is still alive – but he lives a totally different life now

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PHOTO: Getty Images
PHOTO: Getty Images

Do you remember Bubbles – the chimpanzee once dubbed the King of Pop Michael Jacksons “best friend”?

Many presumed that the chimp has died but the 34-year old grey-bearded chimpanzee is living a peaceful life in an animal sanctuary, in Florida.

The primate, who was born in 1983, was sold to the Billie Jean singer at just eight months old.

Bubbles was often seen on the Thriller singer’s hip and regularly donned matching glitzy outfits. Bubbles would even perform the moonwalk now and then.

Michael would even go as far as dressing him in pyjamas and he had his own little cot next to the singing legend’s bedside.

He also made his special appearance in Michael’s famous videos – and could be dubbed the most famous chimpanzee.

But Bubbles career was short-lived.

After Micheal had his kids he deemed Bubbles ‘too aggressive’ to be around his new family.

The chimp was moved to the animal sanctuary where had to adjust to his not-so-glamorous lifestyle.

The late singer's estate occasionally contributes to the upkeep of the former celebrity chimp’s stay at the sanctuary, but doesn’t cover the annual cost of R280 000 for his caring.

The Sanctuary’s founder, Patti Ragan, revealed that bubble weighs 80 kg and is the most dominant chimp around.

He lives with a group of seven fellow chimp mates – three males and four females – a few Bubbles has a soft spot for.

The elderly chimp has only been visited by La Toya Jackson since Michael’s death as part of a TV documentary.

“I want to kiss and hug you, but I know I can’t because you’re so huge,” says La Toya says to Bubbles during the documentary.

The chimp, who has seen enough camera flashes in his lifetime, simply refuses to have his photo taken by any visitor.

He has now redirected his energy to his newfound talent. Bubble has started painting and now his latest creation has recently been sold for R52 000 to a gallery in Miami, according to Daily Mail.

Sources: mirror.co.uk

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