See Michael Jackson’s Son Bigi “Blanket” Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Family
Nearly 17 years after Michael Jackson‘s death, his beloved chimpanzee Bubbles is still aping around.
That’s right, the primate—now 43 years old—is alive and well, living at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Fla.
“He’s such a sweet, sweet guy,” the animal sanctuary’s founding director Patti Ragan told Variety in an interview published April 24. “People still picture him as a cute little baby with a pink face that Michael carried around. But he’s a big boy now, about 170 pounds.”
She continued, “He’s living with a group of five, and we’re introducing some youngsters into that group right now.”
Bubbles spent his early days with Jackson on Neverland Ranch in California. He was moved to Great Apes in 2005, where he “helped raise two babies,” according to Ragan.
“He’s good with the youngsters, but he’s moving a little slower,” she shared. “Sometimes it takes him longer to climb ladders but he eats well.”
And these days, Bubbles enjoys fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, as well as playing with Velcro backpacks.
“He likes to put his treasures in them,” Ragan added, “and carry them around.”
