No Million$ for Bubbles: Florida Center Depends on Donations to Provide Home for Jackson’s Pal and Other Primates

Ever since world-famous performer Michael Jackson’s death, people have wondered whatever happened to his primate pal, Bubbles. Members of the media in this country and abroad have reported that Jackson left his beloved pet millions to assure his continued well-being. But unfortunately, that is not the case.

Bubbles is a resident of the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, FL, and according to Director Patti Ragan -- who is a dear friend of Boomerful.com -- the Jackson family has never provided Bubbles with financial support. "Bubbles has been living at our sanctuary for nearly five years," Patti said. "We had hoped that at some point, someone in his organization would assist with the care of Bubbles at our nonprofit refuge, but unfortunately, that never happened. Mr. Jackson was an incredibly busy man, so I can only assume that his obligation to Bubbles somehow fell through the cracks."

Patti added that Bubbles was kept by Jackson until he was about age 5 or 6. Then Bubbles lived for years in a small cage in a trainer’s backyard until five years ago, when the trainer went out of the business of working great apes in entertainment. "We accepted this trainer's 16 chimpanzees and six orangutans at our sanctuary," Patti said. "Bubbles is 26 years now, and can live another 30-plus years."

According to Patti, the cost of care for each ape living at the sanctuary is well over $15,000 per year. "We are only supported by donations from individuals and a few grants from charitable foundations," she said. "Usually, the previous pet owners or trainers do not financially support the care of these very intelligent chimpanzees and orangutans."

To learn more and find out how to lend your support to the Center for Great Apes, please visit www.centerforgreatapes.org.