Bubbles, the renowned chimp and former pet of Michael Jackson, has reportedly been ‘abandoned’ by the Jackson family.
Currently, the chimpanzee resides at a sanctuary in Florida, where a spokesperson indicated that Jackson’s three children have not visited him since his relocation there in 2005.
According to a spokesman, “The only visit we received from a Jackson family member was from Michael’s sister La Toya about two years ago.”
Jackson’s will made no provisions for the care of the animal, leading the sanctuary staff to raise $25,000 annually for his upkeep. Michael Jackson passed away in 2009.
Adopted in the early 1980s as a research animal, Bubbles lived with Jackson’s family in Los Angeles before moving to Neverland Ranch in 1988.
After spending time with animal trainer Bob Dunn following the birth of Jackson’s son, Prince Michael Jr, in 2002, Bubbles moved to Florida’s Center For Great Apes eight years ago.
In the ongoing $50 billion lawsuit against concert promoters AEG Live, two of Michael Jackson’s three children are set to testify. Prince, 16, and Paris, 14, are expected to appear in the Los Angeles County Superior Court trial that commenced at the start of the month.
The Jackson family is pursuing £26 billion in damages from AEG Live, alleging the promoter’s negligence contributed to Jackson’s death.
They assert that AEG Live acted irresponsibly by hiring Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered the lethal overdose of the sedative Propofol that resulted in Jackson’s death in 2009. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 and subsequently jailed.
by Milo Johnson
