Since the death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, people have been wondering, “Is Bubbles the chimp dead, too?” You remember Bubbles. He is the Chimpanzee who used to live with Jackson back in the day. Haven’t you been wondering what happened to him? Of course you have.
Why We Care Whether Bubbles the Chimp Dead
The reason we care whether Bubbles the chimp is dead is because of his close connection to the now-deceased King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
According to Wikipedia, Michael Jackson became Bubbles’ guardian in 1985, when he removed the chimp from a medical research clinic. Jackson spent a lot of time with Bubbles in public, and was consequently mocked for being a weirdo. Bubbles reportedly slept in a crib in Michael Jackson’s room at the Neverland Ranch. [Source: Wikipedia]
Here is one example of the excessive lifestyle of Bubbles the chimp. Bubbles accompanied Michael Jackson on a tour in Japan. While on tour, the chimp had his own hotel room and Michael insisted that the room be re-wallpapered because of the Bubbles’ sensitivity to cigarette smoke. [Source: Lisa D. Campbell, pages 144-45].
Suffice it to say that Michael Jackson had a close and unique relationship with Bubbles the chimp. And that closeness has lead fans of the deceased pop star to ask whether Bubbles the chimp is dead, too.
Bubbles the Chimp is Not Dead
People.com has cleared this mystery up for us. According to the celebrity-themed magazine, Bubbles is living happily in a primate sanctuary in Florida, where he is described as a “very sweet and nice chimp.” [Source: People.com]
Bubbles’ pristine life in the reserve will, however, be affected by the death of his former owner. The Sun reports that Bubbles might be the subject of a book and/or movie deal. Bubbles’ current owner, Bob Dunn, says a huge deal is “on the table.” [Source: The Sun]
Oh, and in case you’re wondering – the reason Bubbles was not living with Michael Jackson at the time of Jackson’s death is that the chimp had become too aggressive in his old age. Due to his behavioral changes, he had to be transferred to a sanctuary. [Source: Wikipedia]
Conclusions
Don’t believe the chatroom types who claim Bubbles the Chimp is dead. He is very much alive, and possibly coming to a theater (or bookstore) near you sometime soon.
Sources
“Bubbles (chimpanzee) – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 29 June 2009 .
Campbell, Lisa D.. Michael Jackson: The King of Pop. d: Branden Books, 1993.
Dodd, Johnny. “Whatever Happened to Michael Jackson’s Chimp Bubbles? – Michael Jackson : People.com.” People.com : The #1 Celebrity Site for breaking news, celebrity pictures and star style. 29 June 2009 .
“Michael Jackson’s grieving chimp Bubbles ‘set to be film star’ | The Sun |News.” The Sun | The Best for News, Sport, Showbiz, Celebrities & TV | The Sun| The Sun. 29 June 2009 .
