Bubbles The Chimp 'Not Told About Michael Jackson's Death'

Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee Bubbles has not been told about the star's sudden death, it has emerged.

A spokesman for the animal sanctuary which houses Bubbles also revealed that the animal had not yet received an invite to Jackson's funeral.

“Maybe we'll mark the occasion another way,” he said, adding: "It is sad for Bubbles but it is better that he stays here." 

Jackson and the animal became close friends after the star rescued him from a cancer research centre in 1985.

Bubbles joined Jackson when he moved into his Neverland home in 1987 and the pair would often wear matching clothes.

In 1990, Bubbles was famously the victim of a death hoax, which Jackson's press agent said had caused the chimp to go “bananas”.

Jackson revealed in 2003 that he had been forced to move the animal to a sanctuary in Florida after he became overly aggressive.

He said he feared Bubbles had become a threat to his youngest son, Prince Michael II.

The sanctuary's spokesman told The Sun newspaper that Bubbles would likely mark Jackson's funeral by listening to some "calming flute music".

Bubbles at Florida sanctuary