“I love animals because all they really want from you is love. Too bad that’s even too much to ask for from some people.” – Michael Jackson
Michael had a deep love and interest for animals and the planet. His Neverland Ranch was filled with domestic and exotic animals within the gates. During the 1980s one of Michael favorite pets, was Bubbles the chimpanzee. He was Michael’s constant pet of choice even appearing in videos like “Liberian Girl” and “Leave Me Alone.” As he aged, Bubbles became aggressive and Michael had to give him to an animal sanctuary in California. Bubbles has been living in the Center for Great Apes in Florida, since 2004.
Michael Jackson also had a great interest in cats domestic and wild in nature. There are numerous pictures of Michael as a child and young adult with kittens. This love for cats also materialized in his videos as well. Domestic and wild cats were featured in Jackson’s videos like “Billie Jean” and “Remember the Time.” In Michael’s short film, “Black or White” a panther was featured as It was revealed that the panther was Michael causing him to break into that controversial panther dance that was censored in the film for some time. The outtakes photos for the infamous “Thriller” album included the singer holding a tiger cub. Michael’s love for animals found its way within his art.
Jackson’s self-penned songs “Will You Be There” and “Childhood” were featured in the film, Free Willy and the film’s subsequent sequel. The film’s main purpose was for animal conservation and giving the killer wale, Keiko a more suitable environment to live. Jackson’s care for animals and the planet continued to serve as inspiration for his art. In 1995, Michael Jackson released the single “Earth Song.” The song’s video features the breakdown of the planet including several pieces of footage that features animal abuse. “Earth Song” is Michael’s biggest selling single in the UK, and the singer received the Genesis award for positive attention given to animal rights.
Michael once said about his animals, “Everything that I love is behind those gates. We have elephants, and giraffes, and crocodiles, and every kind of tigers and lions. And we have bus loads of kids, who don’t get to see those things. They come up, sick children, and enjoy it.”
Foundation like Make a Wish and inner-city schools from Los Angeles and throughout Southern California would ask to have students field trip there, kids who’s families can’t afford a theme park, or who have never seen animals up close, got the opportunity to visit with the animals.
