Searching for Michael Jackson's Zoo: What happened to Bubbles the chimp and is he still alive?

Ross Kemp is investigating what happened to the animals kept at Michael Jackson's zoo in a brand new ITV documentary tonight (April 27).

Michael Jackson fancied himself as an animal lover, even singing about his dear pet rat Ben as a child. He was also known for ferrying around his pet chimpanzee Bubbles. The pop star bought the primate from a Texan research facility sometime in the early 1980s.

Adorable bubbles was born in 1983 and he lived with Jackson at his home in Encino, California before moving into the famous Neverland Ranch. He reportedly slept in a crib in Jackson's bedroom on many occasions and was even allowed to use Jackson's personal toilet.

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The chimp attended many social events with Jackson and was consequently thrust into the spotlight. He was said to enjoy partying and during the singer's Bad world tour, he accompanied Jackson to meet and drink tea with the mayor of Osaka in Japan.

Bubbles was moved away from the Neverland Ranch around 2003 to an animal sanctuary over fears he might attack Jackson's newborn son, Prince Michael II.

The chimpanzee is still alive and has a new life at a sanctuary. Since 2005, he has lived at The Centre for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida. He is said to enjoy painting and listening to flute music.

He's now 39 years old and his facial features have changed a lot since his time with Jackson. Bubbles is described to be 'huge and ugly' with a 'sweet character.' Chimps can live up to 50 years.

Searching for Michael Jackson’s Zoo with Ross Kemp airs on Wednesday, April 27 at 9pm on ITV and catch-up on the ITV Hub.