(BANG) -Plans to bury Michael Jackson at Neverland have been cancelled. The singer's family were reportedly hoping to lay the star to rest at his beloved ranch but are now scrambling to find a new location amid fears it would be illegal to bury Michael at his former home.

No matter where the funeral is held, Michael's beloved chimpanzee Bubbles will not attend.

Instead, the animal will spend the day listening to "calming flute music" at the animal sanctuary in Wauchula, Florida, where he was moved when he became "too aggressive" to live with the star.

A Centre For Great Apes spokesman said: "It is sad for Bubbles but it is better that he stays here. We have not said anything to Bubble about Michael's death.

"There has been no invitation for him to attend the funeral. Maybe we'll mark the occasion another way."

Michael rescued Bubbles from a cancer research centre in 1985. The pair lived together for years, even dressing in matching outfits. (C) BANG Media International