Michael Jackson with his pet chimpanzee Bubbles.
Image: Michael Jackson Archives
A wildlife charity has warned that the upcoming biographical film 'Michael' could strengthen the demand for exotic pets, saying its portrayal of the chimpanzee as a domestic companion risks reinforcing the idea that wild animals can thrive in private homes.
Humane World for Animals said the depiction of Michael Jacskon's pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, in the upcoming biopic presents a misleading picture of primates that could influence public attitudes beyond the cinema.
In the film, Bubbles is shown in a domestic environment as a friendly and manageable companion.
The organisation stated how this glosses over the realities of captivity and the long-term welfare concerns associated with keeping primates as pets.
Audrey Delsink, senior director for wildlife at Humane World for Animals, said chimpanzees are highly complex animals.
“Wild animals like chimpanzees have complex physical, social, and behavioural needs that cannot be met in private homes, no matter how well-intentioned the owner,” she said.
"Although these animals can survive in domestic captivity, survival must not be confused with well-being.”
She warned that emotional storytelling in film can translate into real-world demand for exotic species.
“Romanticised portrayals of wild animals as companions in films can fuel demand for these species as pets and put more animals at risk of capture from the wild or lifelong suffering in private homes,” she said.
Even if the animals were created using CGI (computer-generated imagery), the organisation said in a statement, these depictions remain problematic.
"Presenting wild animals as thriving in private homes can reinforce the misleading notion that such environments are suitable for them," the organisation said. "Movie portrayals of animal characters can trigger sudden spikes in demand for those species as pets as audiences seek to replicate the companion relationship depicted on screen. For example, the 2003 film Finding Nemo led to a global surge in demand for clownfish, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise similarly led to increased demand for turtles as pets."
Bubbles, one of Jackson’s most recognisable animal companions, has long been central to public debate about primate ownership and the ethics of keeping wild animals in private care.
Humane World for Animals said that the gap between cinematic portrayals and biological reality may often be underestimated by audiences.
Kathleen Conlee, vice president for animal research issues at the organisation, said chimpanzees are frequently misrepresented in popular culture.
Only MJ - Jeff-Koons-Michael-Jackson-and-Bubbles-1988-ceramic-
Image: Jeff Koons
As the film’s release approaches, the organisation is urging viewers to separate cinematic storytelling from real-world animal welfare concerns.
“Wild animals are not companions or props,” Delsink said.
“They are complex, sentient beings whose needs cannot be met in private homes.”
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