Animals played an important role in Michael Jackson's life. One of his earliest hits was a song called Ben, which was actually a tribute to his pet rat.
Rats were just some of the animals Michael Jackson cared for. He also owned dogs and reptiles as a young boy. In fact, his 1986 line of stuffed toys called Michael's Pets reflected just some of his pets – frogs, rabbits, snakes, ostriches, giraffes, llamas and, of course, Bubbles the chimp.
Chimp Chum
Michael Jackson rescued Bubbles from a Texas cancer research clinic in 1985 when the chimpanzee was three years old. Bubbles slept in a crib in MJ’s bedroom and was the only one – human or animal – slowed to use Michael’s private bathroom.
Bubbles learned how to dance and moonwalk and was there for many award ceremonies and events. But when Michael Jackson's son Prince Michael II was born, Bubbles became aggressive and was moved to an animal sanctuary.
A Tangled Web
Michael Jackson also loved spiders. During one of his trials in 2002 the King Of Pop limped in, saying he’d been bitten by one of his tarantulas. His enormous ranch, Neverland, was home to many rare spiders in elaborate enclosures, as well.
PETA VS MJ
Neverland also included a private zoo, which once held an elephant, a lion and other exotic animals. In 2006 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed a complaint claiming the animals were being mistreated. But when the zoo was inspected no evidence of abuse or neglect was found.
Cancelled Concerts
For his upcoming comeback concerts, it’s rumored that Michael Jackson was planning to make his entrance with exotic animals like an African elephant with panthers led on gold chains. Parrots and other birds would fly behind him.
Animal Lover
Over the years Michael Jackson reached out to animals for their unconditional love and non-judgmental friendship. It seems some of his deepest and best friendships were with the many animals with which he shared his life.
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