See Michael Jackson's Son Bigi "Blanket" Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Family

Nearly 17 years after Michael Jackson's death, his beloved chimpanzee Bubbles is still aping around.

That's right, the primate—now 43 years old—is alive and well, living at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchula, Fla.

“He's such a sweet, sweet guy,” the animal sanctuary's founding director Patti Ragan told Variety in an interview published April 24. "People still picture him as cute little baby with a pink face that Michael carried around. But he’s big boy now, about 170 pounds."

She continued, "He's living with a group of five, and we’re introducing some youngsters into that group right now."

Bubbles spent his early days with Jackson on Neverland Ranch in California. He was moved to Great Apes in 2005, where he "helped raise two babies," according to Ragan.

“He’s good with the youngsters, but he’s moving a little slower," she shared. "Sometimes it takes him longer to climb ladders but he eats well.”

And these days, Bubbles enjoys fruits, vegetables and leafy greens, as well as playing with Velcro backpacks.

“He likes to put his treasures in them," Ragan added, "and carry them around."

That's partly why fans won't see him in the newly released Michael biopic, which used CGI to portray the chimp.

"We have had continuing constructive dialogue with PETA about the portrayal of Bubbles the chimpanzee as a pet," Lionsgate said in a statement released through the animal advocacy group. "This portrayal is simply based on historical fact and is not intended to be an endorsement of keeping chimpanzees as pets."

For what the rest of the Jackson family thinks about Michael, keep reading...