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Matt Hickman

Mother Nature goes to Neverland

See photos of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, which has been left untended since 2005.
Thu, Mar 26 2009 at 8:26 AM EST
Read more: CELEBS, HOME IMPROVEMENT, NATURE

Editor's note: In light of news that Michael Jackson's body will not be taken to Neverland Ranch in California for a public viewing , MNN has photos of behind-the-scenes to show you what you'll be missing.  And related on MNN, read about Jackson's eco-friendliness.
 
Ecorazzi, via The Daily Mail, has published stunning photos of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County, California. You could say that the massive estate is in an advanced state of disrepair — the fallen King of Pop reportedly abandoned his soon-to-be-auctioned erstwhile home in 2005 after being acquitted of child molestation charges — but it’s fascinating to see what happens to an immaculately landscaped property after being left to the devices of Mother Nature for four years.
 
Obviously, she wasn't too kind. 
Love, hate, or saddened by Jackson, there’s no denying that his former home/amusement park/zoo is reminiscent of Alan Weisman’s The World Without Us gone Peter Pan.
 
And in case you were wondering, the Daily Mail reports that none of Jackson’s personal menagerie — elephants, giraffes, lions, horses, and Bubbles the chimp — continue to roam the grounds. All of his animals have found new homes. 
 
If you had your druthers, what would you do with Neverland Ranch? Return it to its former glory or continue to let Mother Nature take her course? Ecorazzi suggests a farm sanctuary ... seems a fine idea by me. 
 
 
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Comments(5)

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Posted By Lissa Coffey - Thu, Jul 02 2009 at 12:05 AM EST

The Neverland Collection on display

When Julien's Auction House had the Neverland items up for display, I went inside and took a video. You can see some of the amazing collections here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWSze2pZZas&feature=channel_page

Posted By Anonymous - Wed, Jul 01 2009 at 5:34 PM EST

Michael Jackson's land

Enter your comments here
The weirdness would never go away. Besides, he still owes millions to others after
frittering away his giant former fortune so it's not even his land.

Posted By Cathy A. - Wed, Jul 01 2009 at 2:17 AM EST

Jackson's Autopsy....

Results of the Michael Jackson autopsy have thus far been inconclusive, but controversial. The first and second Michael Jackson autopsy haven't clearly identified a cause of death, and the toxicology report is going to take a few weeks before it's finished. There was a report in which the singer was said to be severely undernourished, in fact starved, and had gone almost entirely bald by the time of his death, with pills being the only content of his stomach. Dr. Conrad Murray, Jacksons’.... More

Posted By Momof2 - Fri, Jun 26 2009 at 9:27 AM EST

I'm happy his home looks peaceful

I actually think that the overgrown look is very pastoral and inviting. If it sat there another 10 years, just like this, I think it'd be fine (way better than being redeveloped)

Posted By Daisy - Tue, Apr 07 2009 at 8:42 AM EST

Combine the uses

I could see the land becoming a farm sanctuary + retreat, rehab or not. Its isolation could be part of the charm. The weirdness would go away eventually as organic farming takes over.  Sell that merry-go-round; put the trains to work carrying workers or gardening supplies from place to place. You can't Beat It!

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