Florida, July 15, 2025 – Once inseparable from the King of Pop’s side, Bubbles the chimpanzee has entered a new chapter of his remarkable life far from the flashing cameras. Now 42 years old, Bubbles resides comfortably at the Center for Great Apes in Florida, where he enjoys a calm, enriching environment thanks to continued support from Michael Jackson’s estate.

Born in the mid-1980s, Bubbles first captured global attention as Michael Jackson’s unconventional companion, joining the superstar on tours and appearing in photos and videos alongside him. By the early 2000s, concerns over Bubbles’ well‑being led to his transfer to the Center for Great Apes, a premier sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care to rescued primates.

At the sanctuary, Bubbles follows a tailored routine that includes nutritious meals, gentle enrichment activities like painting, and daily social interactions with his caregivers and fellow chimpanzees. “He’s still remarkably spry at 42,” notes Patti Ragan, the Center’s founding director. “Chimpanzees under human care can live into their 50s or 60s, and our goal is to give Bubbles every reason to keep thriving.”

Away from the spotlight, Bubbles now spends his days exploring shaded enclosures, testing his artistic flair on canvas, and accepting loving pats from the staff who know him by name. His longevity is a testament both to the dedicated veterinary care he receives and to the kindness that defined his life—from Neverland Ranch to his peaceful retirement home.

As a living link to pop‑culture history, Bubbles reminds us that even the most extraordinary lives can find serenity in compassion and respect. Whether he’s swaying gently in a hammock or pausing to watch the clouds drift by, Bubbles’ story continues to inspire—and to celebrate the enduring bond between humans and our closest animal relatives.