MICHAEL JACKSON’S CHIMP BUBBLES STILL LIVING AT 43 ![]()
![]()
The famous chimpanzee Bubbles, once owned by Michael Jackson, is still alive at the age of 43 and resides at the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Florida.
Jackson acquired Bubbles in the 1980s, and the chimp quickly became part of his public image—appearing in studio sessions, traveling internationally, and even attending high-profile events during the peak of Jackson’s career.
As Bubbles matured, his size and strength made it unsafe for him to remain in a domestic environment. He was eventually relocated in 2005 to a specialized sanctuary designed to care for primates in a more natural and controlled setting.
Now weighing around 170 pounds, Bubbles lives among other chimpanzees and has reportedly played a role in socializing younger animals at the sanctuary.

From a biological standpoint, his age is notable. In the wild, chimpanzees typically live much shorter lives, while even in captivity, reaching into the 40s is relatively uncommon. His longevity is often attributed to consistent care, a controlled environment, and access to veterinary support.
The case highlights how long-term animal care evolves as exotic pets mature, especially when they outgrow domestic settings and require specialized habitats.