The touching story of the KING OF POP and his companion, BUBBLES THE CHIMP

CEBU, Philippines - This October, Animal Planet will air a special feature on the close relationship between Michael Jackson and his once-confidante, Bubbles. Bubbles became the world's most famous chimpanzee after accompanying Michael Jackson on his meteoric rise to the top, but subsequently disappeared from the public eye in the mid 90s. BUBBLES THE CHIMP – MY LIFE WITH MICHAEL JACKSON chronicles the unseen footage and untold stories of Michael Jackson and Bubbles, revealed through those who witnessed their friendship throughout the years. BUBBLES THE CHIMP – MY LIFE WITH MICHAEL JACKSON premieres on Saturday, October 23 at 10:00 pm. Encores on Saturday, October 30 at 4:00 pm.

When millions of mourners flocked to Michael Jackson's memorial service in July 2009, the world reflected on all the eccentricities of a creative genius. He lived his life in the middle of a media circus, but found solace with an unlikely and trusted companion – a chimpanzee named Bubbles. The chimp became the world's most famous pet, and for six years they were inseparable. Bubbles joined Michael on his 1987 ‘Bad’ tour of Japan and on other trips around the world. Their lives seemed to mirror each other: Michael Jackson the man who never had a childhood and Bubbles, the chimp who grew up almost human. With all the discussion surrounding the shocking death of Michael Jackson, people wondered whatever happened to his beloved chimpanzee, Bubbles.

This revealing story talks to those who witnessed the relationship first hand, including Michael Jackson's sister La Toya Jackson, and explores the complex psychology behind Michael Jackson's devotion to his chimp and other animals. It also highlights the path Bubbles' life took once he hit adolescence and when the celebrity could no longer care for him, to where he is now more than 20 years later. Join us for an exclusive feature on the touching friendship between Michael Jackson and his pet and confidante, Bubbles the chimp.

Animal Planet is the world’s only brand that immerses viewers in emotional, engaging and passionate content devoted to animals – from wildlife to pets. Animal Planet connects humans and animals with rich, deep content and offers animal lovers access to entertainment, information and enrichment via multiple platforms including television, online (at discoverytv.com) and merchandising extensions. Animal Planet is available in 339 million cumulative subscribers worldwide. Animal Planet launched in Asia-Pacific in 1998 and is currently distributed to more than 155 million subscribers in over 29 countries and territories in the region. For more information, visit Animal Planet at www.animalplanetasia.com.