Michael Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles celebrates 40th birthday at sanctuary

Michael Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles, a former showbiz star, celebrates 40th birthday at Florida sanctuary.

Michael Jackson's chimpanzee, Bubbles, recently celebrated his 40th birthday at the Center for Great Apes in Florida, according to the New York Post. Bubbles lived with Jackson during the 1980s and appeared in music videos and even went on tour.

“He did get a cake, but it’s a special ape-healthy cake,” said Patti Ragan, founding director of the Center, as reported by the New York Post. “We frost it with mashed bananas and add a little bit of blue food coloring... and then we wrote his name in blueberries.”

Social media users expressed surprise at Bubbles' longevity, with many commenting on their curiosity about his whereabouts. "I always wondered what happened to Bubbles. I'm glad he's still alive," one Reddit user wrote.

Bubbles retired from showbiz due to his size and strength. The Center says he is no longer comfortable with cameras. "Jackson always maintained ownership of Bubbles, his first and favorite chimpanzee, whom he treated like a son," the Center noted. "After his death, Michael Jackson’s Estate has continued to support the annual care costs for Bubbles at the sanctuary."

At the Center, Bubbles lives with other chimpanzees and enjoys painting and spending quiet time with caregivers. The Center describes him as "artistic, gentle and shy." They added with a touch of humor, "Bubbles will occasionally spit water or throw sand (with amazing accuracy) at strangers, just to see how they react."