One of the most amusing scenes in Antoine Fuqua's Michael was when Michael Jackson brings home a baby chimp as a pet. Bubbles, as he names the chimp, shocks the superstar's family and the theatre audience alike. But did you know that all of that is indeed true?
Bubbles was born in 1983, when Michael brought him home. He lived a starry-starry early life with Michael, accompanying him on interviews, starring in his music videos and movies and even going on tour with him to Japan. But now, Bubbles in 42 years old, and now lives with his other chimp friends at the Centre For Great Apes.
The official website for the sanctuary says that they got Bubbles in 2005 when he grew too big and unfit to be surrounded by humans. “Now a 185-pound adult male, Bubbles is a calm and artistic presence at the sanctuary. He’s the respected leader of his chimpanzee group, which includes his closest friends Oopsie, Boma, Kodua, and Stryker. Though shy and private, Bubbles is also playful. He’s been known for gently teasing visitors with a splash of water or a sprinkle of sand, just for fun,” the info read.
It adds that Bubbles is quite creative and loves to paint. He, however, hates being photographed. His care at the centre is supported by Michael Jackson's Estate.
