Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch could be put up for sale, according to the investment company that owns a controlling interest in the estate. The 2,700-acre property, nestled in the rolling hills and cattle ranches of Santa Barbara County, California, was Jackson's refuge from the world from 1988 until he essentially abandoned it after he was acquitted on child molestation charges in 2005. The zoo and amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel and a railroad, are long gone, but Neverland remains an important pilgrimage for die hard Jackson fans from around the world. A constant flow of flowers, cards and gifts are left at the closed gate.
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Company controlling Neverland "is considering" putting the estate up for sale
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Colony Capital got a major stake when it bailed Jackson out of financial trouble in 2008
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Jackson abandoned the property after his 2005 acquittal on child molestation charges
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Jackson executors: "We are saddened at the prospect of the sale of Neverland"
Colony Capital
Jackson's estate still owns a minority interest in Neverland, but there is no indication from its executors that they are considering buying out @placeholder's stake to preserve it.
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While Jackson vowed in his last years to never return to @placeholder, some of his family members pushed for his burial there after his sudden death on June 25, 2009.
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Colony Capital has paid the salaries of the small staff that maintains @placeholder, including the security needed to keep the curious out.