Michael Jackson would be happy with the life of Bubbles the chimpanzee, says Sanctuary

Patti Ragan, director of the Great Apes Center, tells TMZ… Bubbles has a lot of freedom at the sanctuary. He is able to explore tunnels, build a nest under a tree, take daily midday naps and sometimes even paint!

Bubbles, now 41 years old, is regularly examined by a veterinarian and medical staff… and weighs 180 pounds. BTW, the lifespan of a chimpanzee in captivity is between 50 and 60 years.

She goes on to describe Bubbles as a friendly chimpanzee who interacts well with visitors and other animals… including his comrades Oopsie, Boma, Ripley, Kodua and Stryker. We’re told Bubbles shows no signs of past abuse.

Although the sanctuary plays MJ’s music and videos for the chimps… Bubbles doesn’t seem to prefer Michael’s music over the others. So despite their once fierce bond, the singer has long been a thing of Bubbles’ past.

Michael was unable to keep Bubbles as a pet when the primate reached adulthood… he first sent him to a trainer in 2003, before placing him at the sanctuary 2 years later.

As TMZ previously reported… Michael died 4 years later, June 25, 2009 – following acute propofol poisoning. According to Patti, the Great Apes Center has no plans to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Michael’s death.

The Michael Jackson estate continued to care for Bubbles after MJ’s death… contributing to her annual care costs, which amount to approximately $27,000 per year. Michael’s fan club also sends Bubbles several treats, including coconuts, mangoes and blankets – which we’re told he likes to snuggle in during his naps.

Michael’s lawyer and family members have made the effort to visit Bubbles in recent years… where they have had only sweet encounters with the primate.