Michael Jackson’s former pet chimpanzee Bubbles is continuing to live under specialist care at the Center for Great Apes, with the sanctuary providing a detailed update on his wellbeing and clarifying that he has not had any recent contact with Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson.
The organization confirmed that Jaafar has not visited either the sanctuary or Bubbles, though they said they would be open to hosting him in the future. They also addressed a circulating AI-generated image online that falsely depicted Jaafar with the chimp, stressing that the picture is not real.
Sanctuary staff emphasized that, as an accredited facility, their priority is the animals’ welfare, adding that no physical interaction between visitors and apes is allowed. The chimpanzees and orangutans live in secure, protected habitats designed to give them independence, safety, and a life free from human intrusion, with care focused on dignity, companionship, and long-term wellbeing.
Bubbles, who was adopted by Michael Jackson in the 1980s from a Texas research facility, once lived at the singer’s home in Encino before later moving to Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara. He famously accompanied Jackson on trips and tours and even slept in a crib in the pop star’s bedroom during his early years.
As he matured and became more difficult to manage, Bubbles was eventually relocated in 2005 to the Florida sanctuary, where he has remained ever since. According to staff, he is now aging comfortably, spending his days resting, socializing with other chimpanzees, and engaging in enrichment activities such as painting.
Sanctuary founder Patti Ragan has previously said that Bubbles now lives a calm, structured routine alongside other chimps, enjoying naps, shared meals, and time with his long-term animal companions.
The chimpanzee’s story has recently returned to public attention following the release of the biopic Michael, which depicts Jackson’s life and includes a CGI version of Bubbles. Producers have said the portrayal is based on historical fact and does not endorse keeping chimpanzees as pets, noting that the real Bubbles has been living peacefully at the sanctuary for many years.
