The new Michael Jackson biopic Michael has brought renewed attention to one of the most unusual parts of the King of Pop's life - his beloved chimpanzee, Bubbles.

As audiences revisit Jackson's world on screen, many are once again wondering what happened to his famous pet and where he is today.

Is Bubbles still alive?

Yes, Bubbles is still alive and living a peaceful life in Florida.
Michael Jackson bought the chimpanzee in the mid-1980s after Bubbles was born at a biomedical research facility in Texas. Animal trainer Bob Dunn helped Jackson bring the young chimp into his life.

Jackson reportedly treated Bubbles almost like his first child. The chimp first lived at the singer's Encino home before later moving to the famous Neverland Ranch. Over the years, the two became inseparable companions.

Bubbles traveled around the world with Jackson, often slept in his bedroom, and regularly appeared beside him during public appearances. Fans especially remember the chimp charming crowds in Japan during a promotional tour when he was just four years old.

A familiar face during Michael Jackson's peak fame

During the height of Michael Jackson's fame, Bubbles became almost as recognizable as the singer himself. He frequently appeared on music video sets, at press events, and during international tours.

Jon Bon Jovi once recalled how the chimp entertained people in Tokyo, while Riley Keough remembered a chimp tugging at the curtains in her home.

Not everyone, however, found Bubbles easy to handle. Legendary music producer Quincy Jones famously recalled, '[Bubbles] was a pain in the ass. He bit Rashida.'

As Bubbles grew older, his increasing strength and unpredictable behavior made it difficult for him to continue living in a domestic environment. Jackson himself once described the chimp as pugnacious in a documentary. Eventually, concerns over safety meant Bubbles could no longer remain a household pet and was moved into professional animal care.