Singer Michael Jackson enjoys a cup of tea with his pet Bubbles at Osaka City Mayoral Hall on September 18, 1987 in Osaka, Japan. Photo / Getty
Singer Michael Jackson enjoys a cup of tea with his pet Bubbles at Osaka City Mayoral Hall on September 18, 1987 in Osaka, Japan. Photo / Getty
It's a long way from the glitz and glamour of his days as Michael Jackson's BFF.
Now Bubbles, the world's most famous, chimpanzee, is following in the footsteps of his late guardian by exploring his artistic side.
The celebrity chimp, who lives at a Florida sanctuary for primates either rescued or retired from the entertainment industry, has taken a liking to painting.
Portrait of Bubbles, a chimpanzee owned by popular entertainer Michael Jackson, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, holds up a photo of himself and the singer. Photo / Getty
As such, the famous chimp will be featured as part of a new exhibition called Apes That Paint which will be on show at a framing store in Florida.
Bubbles' handiwork will be on full display at the Frames USA store in Miami next month.
The famous chimp was retired to the Centre for Great Apes in 2005 when he was 20, and now spends most of his time with an easel and paintbrush.
Now 34, he is the alpha of his group and one of the oldest residents. In addition to painting he loves playing in water.
Bubbles became a global celebrity after he was adopted by Michael Jackson and featured heavily in photos from the star's ranch, Neverland, while he also often accompanied the pop icon on tour.
Even after Bubbles' retirement, Michael Jackson maintained ownership of Bubbles, but despite reports he did not include the chimp in his will.
The centre says Bubbles is affectionate and kind to the younger chimps he lives with and is camera shy, despite his early life touring the world and appearing in music videos.
Broad Museum, Michael Jackson and Bubbles by Jeff Koons on May 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Photo / Getty
The exhibition, which features paintings on sale from US$200 (A$260) to US$2000 (A$2600), aims to raise funds for the centre.
Other primates putting their works on display include stars of Planet of the Apes, orang-utans from the movie Going Ape! and the US soap opera Passions.
Gallery owner Adam Brand said he got the inspiration for the ape art show after a customer came into the store to frame a painting done by an orang-utan.
The Centre for Great Apes is home to around 50 animals, with each one costing US$22,000 (A$29,000) per year to house.
