Michael Jackson's Real Chimpanzee Bubbles Still Thriving at Florida Sanctuary

Michael Jackson's legendary affection for animals is well-documented, and one of his most iconic companions—a chimpanzee named Bubbles—takes center stage in the upcoming biopic Michael, though rendered entirely in CGI.

What many don't realize is that the real Bubbles is alive and well. For more than 20 years, the primate has called the Center for Great Apes sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida home.

Lionsgate, which is distributing the film, provided a statement to Variety addressing the creative choice to use computer-generated imagery rather than featuring an actual chimp. "We have had continuing constructive dialogue with PETA about the portrayal of Bubbles the chimpanzee as a pet. This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets," the studio said.

Director Antoine Fuqua extended the CGI approach to other animals in the film as well, including a llama, giraffe, and python.

Jackson acquired Bubbles from a research facility during the 1980s and famously integrated the chimp into his lifestyle, bringing him along on tour dates. The animal even attended lawyer John Branca's wedding as Jackson's guest.

The biopic stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long. The two actors recently discussed the film's approach to Jackson's past, explaining why the movie does not delve into the child molestation allegations that emerged before the singer's death.