See What Michael Jackson’s Chimp “Bubbles” Looks Like Now

Nearly 20 years after he moved out of Neverland, the late Michael Jackson’s chimp, Bubbles, has become an alpha male in a group of trouble-making primates living in an ape retirement home.

The Daily Star says Bubbles leads a group at his home. It consists of Oopsie, Murray, Mowgli, and Bo in a 100-acre space dedicated to the chimps.

That’s not to say they keep to themselves, however. Bubbles often encourages the group to “spit water or throw sand” at visitors “just to get a rise out of them,” one official says.

It’s not difficult to understand why the 40-year-old Bubbles might be a tad bitter. After Jackson purchased the chimp for $65,000 in the early 1980s, the two quickly became inseparable. Bubbles ate gourmet food at the main dining table, slept in Jackson’s bedroom, traveled the world in private jets, made TV appearances with and without his owner, and even had his own bodyguard.

However, that ended in 2003 when Jackson decided he’d gotten too large and aggressive for him to care for. The singer’s estate still pays $25,000 a year for Bubbles’ care, the Centre for Great Apes confirms.

See Bubbles here.

Are you looking to have some fun with animals? Well, I have been contemplating fun things to do and for some reason, a petting zoo has been on my mind. It's probably because I recently went to Disney World and Animal Kingdom was my absolute favorite place. From The Lion King being my favorite movie to the Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom, I have been thinking about animals like crazy. But, there is no Animal Kingdom here in Charlotte for me to enjoy, right? So, I have to think of somewhere else.

Of course, I decided to take matters into my own hands. That means I am looking into petting zoos, zoos, and all types of animal parks in the state. Why not have some animal-friendly fun? Let's enjoy some time with the animals and see what you can do here in North Carolina. Can't wait!

Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive through ranch experience. Whether you are sitting in your car or riding on the back of a wagon, you can ride through the ranch to check out some great animals. Not only will you sight see, but you can also feed them along the way. The ranch is open 7 days a week and has tons of animals like cattle, deer, goats, antelope, and other exotic animals. Doesn't that sound fun?

Of course, we're naming a pretty big one - the obvious, the North Carolina Zoo. The state zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and your chance to see tons of different animals. Explore different animals and plants throughout the zoo during your time there. You can see up close and personal, lions, elephants, river otter, giraffes, zebras, and more! Sounds like a place I need to go for sure.

Want to visit a tiger rescue? Personally, I have never thought of it but it looks pretty cool to me! So, head to the Carolina Tiger Rescue and check out some wild cats. The rescue is your chance to learn more about and see tigers that have found sanctuary at this rescue spot.

Are you a fan of birds? Well, this might be the perfect spot for you. The Carolina Raptor Center is for the  exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Visit and walk a trail to explore the different species that are in house. There are more than 30 birds of prey for you to see up close and personal. Cool, right?