Paintings by Michael Jackson's chimp Bubbles sell for £2,000 at auction

The 27-year-old primate painted two colourful abstracts which raised £2,000 towards his £13,000 annual care bill.

As the King of Pop’s beloved pet, Bubbles had a brush with life in the lap of luxury.

Now Michael Jackson’s chimp has to use a brush to help pay for his upkeep after being abandoned by the late singer’s family.

The 27-year-old primate painted two colourful abstracts which raised £2,000 at auction towards his £13,000 annual care bill.

Patti Ragan, of the Center for Great Apes, said: “To take all our apes to the ends of their lives will cost £25million. We need help.”

Bubbles was doted on by the Bad singer, who adopted him in 1983. He was trained to Moonwalk and met star pals like Brooke Shields.

The Mirror revealed this year that the Jackson family hasn’t donated anything to his upkeep in Wauchula, Florida, since Michael’s death in 2009.

As well as selling his art, Ms Ragan is appealing for Jackson fans to donate £100 a year each to help them look after Bubbles, who could live to around 60 years old.

Donor Scott Ponoroff said: “It’s a disgrace. If Michael’s own brothers and sisters aren’t giving money then I guess it’s up to the fans.”


/Daily Mirror/