One of the good memories we’ll always have of Michael Jackson following his tragic and unexpected passing is that of his main man and pet Bubbles, a mischievous chimpanzee who was often photographed dressed like MJ. Bubbles, who was rescued from a cancer research facility back in 1985, really lived in the monkey lap of luxury. And, according to his wiki page, was a bit of an ape genius — this paragraph from Bubbles’ wiki page is too good to edit, so please savor it:

“Jackson and Bubbles accompanied each other on outings and talked together. The singer later taught the chimp how to moonwalk. Bubbles, who had an agent, was also rumoured to have his own bodyguard. Jackson said of his pet, “My chimp Bubbles is a constant delight”. Bubbles sat in for the recording of the Bad album—Jackson had insisted that the chimp and his pet snake attend as spectators—and accompanied Jackson for the filming of the “Bad” music video. The Bad World Tour kicked off in September, 1987. During the tour, he and the singer shared a two-bedroom hotel suite in Tokyo.”

“At a party to celebrate and promote Bad, Bubbles reportedly “worked the room” and was “the life of the party”. Jackson and his chimpanzee were photographed in 1986 by Kenny Rogers for his book, Your Friends and Mine. The photo shows Jackson holding Bubbles on his hip, and has been cited as one of the best taken of the singer. In the black and white photograph, Jackson is dressed casually; he wears jeans and a simple shirt. Bubbles is also dressed casually in a long sleeved shirt and overalls. Rogers said of the animal, “Bubbles was so human it was almost frightening. He would take Christopher [Rogers' son] by the hand, walk over to the refrigerator, open it, take out a banana, and hand it to him. Christopher was amazed… we all were”.”

Bubbles…. could MOONWALK? We’re incredulous…

(Monkey Moonwalk proof ahead.)

I see. But what of Bubbles today? The sad news of Michael’s passing got us thinking about this tiny, Bob-Hoskins-like monkey, and about his future. The good news is? Bubbles is still alive, living at a ranch in Sylmar, California, after becoming too aggressive to live with Michael’s other (human) children. Ain’t it strange? Bubbles outlived Michael Jackson. We hope this adorable little man person is happy with whatever this crazy little life for him has in store. He’s probably the luckiest chimp there is.