A new Ross Kemp documentary set to air on ITV tonight will explore the fate of the animals once owned by Michael Jackson. The pop star's zoo at Neverland Ranch housed at least 50 different species of animals, including giraffes, elephants and tigers.
Their whereabouts have reportedly been largely unknown since the singer’s death in 2009. Searching for Michael Jackson’s Zoo , which airs on April 27, will see Ross Kemp embark on a journey across America in search of these exotic species and uncovers the truth behind what happened to the animals who who called Neverland their home.
According to ITV, Ross speaks to former workers at the famous Californian ranch, including Mark Biancaniello, a former Neverland Zoo trainer, who describes Jackson as an exemplary owner of animals and who would never abandon his pets. However, after learning about the premature deaths of several animals during the singer’s time at Neverland, the presenter begins to suspect that Jackson may not have been the perfect animal owner after all.
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The documentary will also touch on what happened to the Neverland ranch itself. Liverpool Echo reports that the property is on a gated estate featuring six bedrooms, a pool house, sprawling immaculate gardens, and the zoo. It also has a four-acre lake, stunning mountain views and three guest houses.
The sprawling retreat was put on the market in 2019 and eventually found an owner in investment billionaire Ron Burkle, a friend of the late pop star. Forbes reports that he purchased the notorious 2,700-acre property in Santa Ynez Valley for $22 million.
However, anyone hoping to see the ranch in person will be disappointed as it's not open to visits from members of the public.
Searching for Michael Jackson’s Zoo with Ross Kemp airs on Wednesday, April 27, at 9pm on ITV and the ITV Hub
