Remembering Bubbles the chimp and Michael Jackson:
Jackson's death posed questions about the singer's former pet, Bubbles the chimpanzee. Sanctuary staff haven't attempted to tell Bubbles about his former owner's death. "We haven't said anything to him yet," Ragan told People Magazine. And here's why!
BUBBLES' SUICIDE:
In late 2003 Bubbles attempted suicide but "was rushed to the hospital in time." No further details of that the attempt were forthcoming.
BUBBLE BULLETS:
Jackson rescued Bubbles from a Texas cancer research clinic in 1985 when the chimpanzee was three years old.
For several years the two were inseparable.
Bubbles slept in crib at the corner of Jackson bedroom, where he alone was allowed to use the singer's private bathroom.
Bubbles was, of course, part of Jackson's entourage -- and of his mystique -- in the 1980s.
He accompanied Jackson to events and and to the studio during the recording of Jacko's "Bad" album (some think the title sprang from Bubble's behavior during the recording).
When Jackson toured Japan, Bubbles was there.
Bubbles learned how to dance and Moonwalk, and was Jackson's escort for many important award ceremonies and events.
Artist Jeff Koons statue, "Michael Jackson and Bubbles," which sold for 5.6 million at auction in 2001.
Per London Times account, this high profile primate, with whom Jackson once shared his private toilet, was sent away from the singer's home after the chimp, nice clothes or no, started acting like an animal.
The chimp eventually faded from public view, with few references made to him until Jackson famous television interview with British journalist Martin Bashir, "Living with Michael Jackson," which aired in early 2003.
In the interview, Jackson told Bashir that Bubbles had become aggressive as he aged, and had been sent away over fears that he would harm Jackson's youngest child, Prince Michael II.
At one time the twentysomething Bubbles resided in Sylmar, CA with Hollywood wrangler Bob Dunn, since at least as early as 2002, when Dunn spoke with People Magazine.
"Bubbles is an adult chimp and wild animal," Dunn told the magazine." We don't let him out to play."
The trainer did say, however, that Jackson and his children had been to his Sylmar Ranch to visit the chimp."
The last time Michael visited, Bubbles definitely recognized and remembered him," he told the Telegraph .
WHERE IS BUBBLES NOW?
He is now living a quiet life at a ranch at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchulu, FL.
~ nichopoulooza
*with thanks to People Magazine, the Telegraph, and Discovery Network's Beast Blog. But most importantly, to the Japanese fellow who has the clip, but which was, in my opinion, not labeled correctly.
Michael Jackson Moonwalk King of Pop Bubbles Chimp Moonwaks Japan Martin Bashir Jeff Koons 1987 Prince Michael II Bob Dunn Sylmar ranch CA wrangler bad Wauchulu FL Discovery